1.5m Children In Punjab To Be Inoculated Against Measles

News Desk

Rawalpindi: Over 1.5 million children, between six months and 59 months of age, would be vaccinated against measles during the week-long drive, launched in 10 districts of Punjab, including 42 union councils (UCs) in Rawalpindi district, said Primary and Secondary Healthcare Punjab Caretaker Minister Dr Jamal Nasir.

While inaugurating the Health Fair and Measles Immunisation Campaign at Eden Marque, IJP Road, on Monday, Dr Jamal added that the provincial government is providing free vaccines against 12 deadly diseases to children under two years of age, while parents who do not administer timely immunisations to their children are putting their lives at risk.

During the special campaign, Dr Nasir stated that besides measles immunisation, polio and vitamin-A drops are also being administered to children in 147 union councils of ten districts of Punjab which had been declared high-risk areas for measles virus spread.

While inaugurating the health fair, the Caretaker Health Minister further stated that the aim of the health fair is to provide maternal, child, and family planning services to the underprivileged sections of society.

Apart from mother and child health and family planning counters, electronic medical records, nutrition screening, ultrasound, and mental health clinics have also been set up at the fair. Caretaker Minister urged the parents to complete the immunisation of their children in time.

He further said that the provision of health facilities is the priority of the caretaker government and added that a healthy mother and child are essential for a healthy society.

Dr Jamal informed that children are being vaccinated against measles and rubella in 80 UCs of the Lahore city: 12 in Jhang, three in Hafizabad, two each in Narowal, Sialkot, Kasur, and Toba Tek Singh, and one each in Gujranwala and Sheikhupura.

The minister added that 52 UC supervisors, 354 skilled workers, 354 assistants, and 354 social mobilizers are also visiting 42 UCs of the Rawalpindi district, including 19 union councils of the city, 8 of Rawalpindi Cantonment, 5 of Tehsil Taxila, and 10 of Rawalpindi Rural.

Minister Dr Nasirtold that, at the request of the Punjab government, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is providing technical and operational support for the special campaign.