Pakistan to Launch National Measles-Rubella Vaccination Drive Starting November 17

vaccination  – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – A twelve-day nationwide Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccination push will take place in high-risk districts across the country from November 17 to 29. During the program, children will be immunized against polio, measles, and rubella.
Free vaccinations will be provided to all children aged six months to five years at government health centers, madrasas, and specified immunization locations.
Parents and guardians should contact the Health Protection Helpline 1166, where trained medical personnel will provide information on the vaccination process.

Dr. Aftab Kakar, Coordinator of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Balochistan, previously said that the 12-day MR immunization push would cover all 36 districts in the province.

Dr. Kakar urged parents to ensure their children, aged between six months and under five years, receive the vaccine to strengthen immunity and protect against these potentially life-threatening diseases.

He highlighted that around 1,700 measles cases have been reported in Balochistan this year, with 23 confirmed deaths.

However, he noted that due to gaps in data collection, the actual number of cases and fatalities could be significantly higher.

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Speaking at a seminar at the Quetta Press Club on the role of media in raising public awareness, Dr. Kakar emphasized that community participation and responsible media coverage are crucial for safeguarding children’s lives.

He warned that measles is spreading rapidly across the country, including Balochistan, and is more contagious than COVID-19, as a single infected person can transmit it to 8–10 others.

“The government has therefore launched this nationwide campaign to vaccinate children aged six months to five years against Measles and Rubella.