Measles outbreak
In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), the recent measles outbreak has raised serious concerns about the health and safety of children, particularly in remote areas where access to vaccinations is limited.
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| Vaccination of children |
Parents like Bakhtwar Gul from South Waziristan are worried about the well-being of their children, as the lack of available vaccinators and resources hampers efforts to combat the spread of measles.
The Extended Programme on Immunisation (EPI) is facing challenges due to protests by vaccinators, who cite inadequate funding and support from the government. Hasan Ali, an EPI vaccinator, highlights the urgent need for increased resources to ensure effective routine immunization.
Dr. Muhammad Hussain, President of the Pakistan Paediatric Association KP-Chapter, emphasizes the importance of measles vaccination in preventing the spread of the disease. Dr. Hamid Bangash echoes this sentiment, advocating for higher vaccination coverage to protect children from measles-related complications.
However, the EPI's efforts have been hindered by operational difficulties and resource reallocation for COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. As a result, many children remain vulnerable to measles, highlighting the need for sustained support and investment in immunization programs.
To address the crisis, targeted vaccination campaigns are being conducted in affected areas, with plans for an upcoming initiative called 'Big Catch-up' to bridge the immunity gap in older children. Nevertheless, continued efforts and collaboration are essential to overcome the challenges facing the EPI and ensure the health and safety of children in K-P.
References
- https://tribune-com-pk.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/tribune.com.pk/story/2462580/measles-outbreak-imperils-children-in-k-p?amp=1&_js_v=0.1&_gsa=1#webview=1
- GENEVA (Web Desk/WHO)
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