Measles vaccination drive in full swing

The District Health Authority (DHA) has launched a vigorous vaccination campaign against measles and rubella in four tehsils of Rawalpindi to vaccinate 600,000 children aged six months to five years. The campaign commenced on May 20 and will continue till May 26.

The campaign aims to curb the alarming rise in measles and rubella cases among young children as 270 cases were reported in January and February. The vaccination drive, which commenced on May 20, was delayed due to a lag in receiving samplings and reports from the National Institute of Health (NIH).

Measles and rubella cases have been reported in Rawal Town, Potohar Town, Cantonment Board, and Taxila tehsils. The campaign is covering 100,000 children a day. The campaign against measles and rubella has also been launched in Lahore and Multan.

District Health Officer Preventive Dr Ehsan Ghani says the campaign against measles and rubella has been launched in 130 union councils of four tehsils. Additionally, all government hospitals have been equipped to provide prompt treatment facilities to children suffering from both diseases, he adds.

Dr Ghani says the campaign has the full backing of the World Health Organization (WHO). The shortage of kits at the NIH delayed the sampling process and results, but the campaign against the epidemics has now been started with full force, he adds.

The officer says approximately 300,000 children have been vaccinated against these diseases in the last three days, urging parents to ensure their children are immunised against measles and rubella. He announced that a new campaign to eradicate polio would launch on June 3.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 24^th, 2024.