Pakistan to Launch Nationwide Measles-Rubella Vaccination Drive from November 17

A twelve-day nationwide Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccination drive will be conducted from November 17 to 29 in high-risk districts across the country. During the campaign, children will also receive the polio vaccine along with Measles and Rubella immunizations.

The free vaccination will be available for all children aged six months to five years at government health centers, madrasas, and designated vaccination points.

Parents and guardians are advised to contact the Health Protection Helpline 1166, where trained medical staff will provide guidance regarding the vaccination process.

Earlier, Dr. Aftab Kakar, Coordinator of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Balochistan, announced that the MR vaccination drive will cover all 36 districts of Balochistan during the 12-day campaign.

Dr. Kakar urged parents to ensure their children, aged between six months and under five years, receive the vaccine to strengthen immunity and protect against these potentially life-threatening diseases.

He highlighted that around 1,700 measles cases have been reported in Balochistan this year, with 23 confirmed deaths.

However, he noted that due to gaps in data collection, the actual number of cases and fatalities could be significantly higher.

Speaking at a seminar at the Quetta Press Club on the role of media in raising public awareness, Dr. Kakar emphasized that community participation and responsible media coverage are crucial for safeguarding children’s lives.

He warned that measles is spreading rapidly across the country, including Balochistan, and is more contagious than COVID-19, as a single infected person can transmit it to 8–10 others.

“The government has therefore launched this nationwide campaign to vaccinate children aged six months to five years against Measles and Rubella.

via Original Source