Catch-up drive kicks off to inoculate infants

Vaccines to protect children against 12 life-threatening diseases

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RAWALPINDI:

A month-long catch-up vaccination campaign has been launched in Rawalpindi district to immunise children aged 2 to 5 years who missed vaccinations during the previous drive has been launched.

According to medics, the jabs protect against 12 life-threatening diseases, including diphtheria, pneumonia, meningitis, diarrhea, polio, tuberculosis, rubella, typhoid, hepatitis B, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus.

The initiative comes in response to an increase in child mortality rates, which have been linked to a gap in immunisation.

Due to a shortage of field staff, many children in the district did not receive the required vaccinations during infancy.

To address this, the health department has now launched this special campaign to ensure these children are protected.

The campaign was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, along with Administrator of the District Health Authority and Chief Executive Officer Dr Asif Arbab Khan Niazi.

The launch event was attended by Dr Shumaila, Area Coordinator for WHO in Rawalpindi, Dr Ihsan Ghani, District Health Officer (PS DHA), and other senior health officials.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema and CEO Dr Asif Arbab Niazi emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts to safeguard public health.

They also highlighted the need for community participation to ensure the campaign's success.

The District Health Authority reaffirmed its commitment to expanding healthcare services and achieving immunization targets through collective efforts.

The campaign is expected to reach thousands of children across the district, with mobile vaccination teams deployed to remote areas to ensure no child is left unvaccinated.

Local authorities have urged parents to take advantage of the initiative and ensure their children are protected from preventable diseases. Additionally, health officials have stressed the importance of continuing regular immunization practices to avoid any future gaps in coverage, aiming to safeguard the health and well-being of the next generation.