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KARACHI, Apr 24 (APP):Sindh Minister for Health Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho appreciated the efforts of the EPI team and highlighted that third-party assessment shows current immunization coverage in Sindh at 70%, with a strong commitment to increase it to over 90%.
She addressed a World Immunization Week event held at Karwan-e-Hayat, Kemari, organized by the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Sindh with support of UNICEF on Thursday.
Health minister acknowledged the seasonal rise in measles cases reported across Pakistan, including Sindh, and emphasized that vigorous case response activities are underway. She also shared progress on the Big Catch-Up Campaign, noting that 0.7 million children were vaccinated in the first round and 1.1 million in the second round—targeting children up to five years of age. A third round is being planned soon.
Dr. Azra Pechuho also mentioned key interventions, including the hiring of new vaccinators, provision of PSO fuel cards, and other measures to strengthen outreach. She urged parents to ensure completion of their children’s vaccination schedule and called on the media to amplify messages during this global World Immunization Week.
Program Director EPI Sindh Dr Raj Kumar welcomed participants and said in Sindh, we’ve made important progress—over 7 million children were vaccinated last year, the HPV vaccine was introduced in schools, and we’ve expanded 24/7 birth dose services. Through digital tools like the Sindh Electronic Immunization Registry (SEIR), we’re tracking children more effectively and closing gaps
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sohail Raza Shaikh, Additional Director EPI Sindh.
The event was attended by senior officials and partners, including Dr. Wali Muhammad (DHO Kemari), Dr. Arslan Memon, Dr. Adnan Khan, Dr. Zain Bhayo, Dr. Ahsan Bhurgri, Dr. Tariq Masood, Dr. Waqar Soomro, Dr. Zaid Bin Arif (UNICEF), Suneel Raja, Dr. Ramesh, Dr. Buledi, Dr. Saira Zaidi, Tahira Bano, Aijaz Jamali, and others.