The provincial health authorities in Punjab have announced a major vaccination initiative to protect children against two dangerous diseases. A comprehensive 12-day measles and rubella immunization campaign will launch across the province, including Rawalpindi district, starting Monday.
Massive Vaccination Drive Details
The extensive campaign, organized under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in partnership with UNICEF and supported by the World Health Organization, will run from November 17 to November 29. Dr Samra Khurram, EPI Punjab Director, revealed during a media workshop in Rawalpindi on Saturday that the ambitious drive aims to immunize 17 million children aged between six months and five years throughout Punjab.
To achieve this massive target, health authorities have deployed 14,500 vaccination teams across the province. These teams will work tirelessly to ensure maximum coverage and protect children from these preventable diseases.
Rawalpindi District Receives Special Focus
Rawalpindi district has been identified as a priority area for the vaccination campaign. Health officials plan to target approximately 822,767 children in the district through more than 700 dedicated teams. The immunization effort will include 217 fixed vaccination centres established throughout Rawalpindi to ensure easy access for families.
The media workshop saw participation from key health stakeholders including District Health Authority Rawalpindi Chief Dr Ehsan Ghani, UNICEF Immunisation Officer Dr Khurram Mubeen Khan, District Health Officer Dr Jawad, WHO Divisional Officer Dr Asif Ali, and UNICEF Communication Consultant Aqeel Sarfraz, along with representatives from the health department and media.
Understanding the Health Risks
Dr Samra Khurram emphasized the serious health threats posed by both diseases. Measles is a highly contagious childhood illness that can lead to severe complications, while rubella presents significant dangers to pregnant women. She specifically warned that rubella infection during pregnancy could result in serious congenital disabilities in newborns, including hearing impairment and various developmental disorders.
Health authorities urge all parents and guardians in Punjab to ensure their children receive this crucial vaccination during the campaign period. The coordinated effort represents one of the largest public health initiatives in the region this year, demonstrating the government's commitment to child healthcare and disease prevention.
