Anti Measles Campaign Begins In KP, 4.8m Children To Be Vaccinated: EPI

A twelve-days anti measles campaign was started across Khyber Pakthunkhwa on Monday where around 4.8 million children up to five years of age would be vaccinated with the help of over 5387 vaccination teams to get rid of this fatal disease.

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Oct, 2018 ) :A twelve-days anti measles campaign was started across Khyber Pakthunkhwa on Monday where around 4.8 million children up to five years of age would be vaccinated with the help of over 5387 vaccination teams to get rid of this fatal disease.

Muhammad Akram Shah, Director Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa told APP that the campaign was formally began today and will continue till October 27.

He said 5387 teams are taking part in the campaign. The campaign is being simultaneously organized in all districts where teams of specialist vaccinators, LHWs, law enforcement agencies, police and officials of district administration are assisting Health Department.

"All those children aged between 9months to five years are being vaccinated with the help of 5387 teams of vaccinators visiting to all union councils, villages and towns so that no kid become victim of this killer disease," he said.

"Except Chitral, all other districts of the province are more prone to measles and vaccination is the only remedy to prevent children from this killer disease," he informed.

Dr Akram said, there is no harm in getting children vaccinated, who have already received an anti-measles vaccine," he said, adding extra vaccination will help strengthen children immune system so that they could not be easily attacked by this deadly virus.

Dr Akram said measles was a fatal ailment as it claimed lives of 23 children this year in KP and vaccination was the only safe way of its prevention. In case of non-vaccination, the measles attack can make a child blind and deaf with permanent disability, he said.

"The anti measles vaccine is safe in all respect as it is certified by WHO and other national health organizations" Dr Akram said and urged parents and guardians to bringing their children to nearest hospitals and BHUs in case of non-arrival of vaccinators at their hometown.

"This national-wise campaign is being held after four years keeping in view of increase of measles cases in the province." He said an extensive training has been provided to vaccinators by EPI KP, saying there are no cases of refusal as for as measles vaccination is concerned in the province.

The services of lawmakers, deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, media, LG representatives, ulema and other stakeholders were taken to make the campaign a success.