Partner organizations to monitor anti-measles drive in Sindh districts 

KARACHI:  Sindh Health Secretary Rehan Iqbal Baloch has asked representatives from various partner organizations, including World Health Organization (WHO), Unicef, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), IRD, VITAL, TKF, Aga Khan, Pathfinder, and others to conduct field visits to districts for monitoring and supportive supervision of anti-measles activities.  

Following the meeting on the measles response, a notification has been issued to implement a comprehensive strategy across Sindh to address measles outbreaks effectively.

The outlined steps include conducting rapid vaccination campaigns to immunize all eligible children, enhancing surveillance and monitoring to identify suspected cases of measles, and tracking outbreak spread to prevent further transmission.

The secretary emphasized the importance of ensuring the availability of trained staff and vaccines, maintaining the cold chain at facilities and outreach sites.

He instructed all district health officers (DHOs) to collaborate closely with stakeholders in their respective districts, ensuring liaison with the Provincial EPI office for updates on ground realities. Better coordination with the media was also urged to provide timely information on the steps being taken.

The health department reaffirmed its commitment to containing the outbreak and safeguarding the health and well-being of all citizens, acknowledging the media's role in raising awareness and promoting a sense of collective responsibility among stakeholders in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, following media reports of the alleged measles-related deaths of two children in District Kamber Shahdadkot, EPI Sindh Project Director Dr. M. Naeem, initiated a thorough probe into the suspected outbreak in UC Dhingano Mahesar, Taluka Sijawal.

District health authorities were directed to strengthen surveillance and community awareness of vaccination.

Upon initial investigation, it was revealed that the deceased children, Baby Azmat and Baby Khushboo, had measles but they were not brought to any qualified healthcare facility and managed at home through traditional methods.

The probe found that despite outreach vaccination efforts, low parental knowledge hindered complete vaccination coverage, although the district had a high uptake of routine immunization.

Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives, Secretary Rehan Baloch pledged swift and decisive actions to prevent further outbreaks. He urged communities to cooperate with vaccination efforts and remain vigilant against preventable diseases, assuring free-of-cost vaccines and urging parents to vaccinate their eligible children.