Typhoid vaccination drive kicks off
shot in the arm: A health worker administers a typhoid vaccination to a student at Al-Zohra High School during the ongoing TCV drive in Karachi. Photo: Jalal Qureshi/EXPRESS
The Sindh government kicked off a comprehensive Typhoid Conjugate Vaccination (TCV) campaign, started from Monday, to curb the alarming rise of typhoid cases in Karachi and Hyderabad.
The teams of health workers will be working diligently from 9am to 4pm daily in seven districts of Karachi and one district in Hyderabad till May 25. The campaign, led by Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, aims to administer the vaccine to 8.94 million children aged nine months to 15 years across Karachi and Hyderabad division.
"Vaccination not only saves lives but also reduces the burden on our healthcare system. It is the core duty of the government to ensure that all eligible children receive the protection they deserve", she stated.
She stated this while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the campaign, held at DHA College and School System, located in Phase IV, DHA, Karachi, where various dignitaries and health experts were present.
The drive mandated by the newly passed Immunisation Act, underscores the government's commitment to protect children's health.
"Vaccination is a fundamental right of every child, and we are determined to uphold it," remarked Health Minister Secretary Rehan Iqbal Balouch.
Present on the occasion, Sindh Health Department Director General, Dr Waqar Mehmood Memon, said that the health workers have undergone a comprehensive training and are briefed on all campaign protocols.
Sindh Emergency Operation Centre for Polio Eradication Representative Irshad Sodhar, emphasised the importance of the typhoid vaccine in preventing the spread of the disease, highlighting the government's dedication to ensuring children's safety.
UNICEF Chief Prem Bahadur Chand has lauded the collaboration between UNICEF and the Sindh government, speaking of unwavering support by UNICEF for children's rights.
He expressed confidence in the Sindh government's initiatives, including the typhoid campaign, as essential measures to protect children's health and rights.
Education Additional Secretary Dr Fouzia Khan reiterated the education department's commitment to ensuring children's health and safety. She emphasised the importance of vaccinating children against highly communicable diseases to protect both individual students and the wider school community.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 14th, 2024.