KARACHI: Rehan Iqbal Baloch, Secretary Health Sindh, spearheaded a high-level meeting addressing the measles outbreak, drawing participation from key stakeholders such as WHO, UNICEF, and others. Directives were issued to mobilize field teams for surveillance and assistance across districts.
In a proactive response to the measles epidemic sweeping across Sindh, concrete measures have been mandated statewide. These actions encompass:
1. Accelerated Vaccination Campaign: A large-scale vaccination initiative is underway to immunize all eligible children.
2. Enhanced Surveillance: Surveillance systems are being fortified to promptly identify and manage suspected measles cases.
3. Trained Staff and Vaccine Availability: Assurance has been given regarding vaccine availability, maintenance of cold chains, and deployment of skilled vaccinators at medical facilities and outreach sites.
4. Collaboration: Close collaboration with provincial EPI offices and stakeholders at district levels is ensured to address ground-level challenges effectively.
Moreover, following distressing reports of two measles-related fatalities in Shahdad Kot, district Qamber Shahdadkot, Dr. Muhammad Naeem, Project Director EPI Sindh, launched a thorough investigation into the suspected outbreak in UC Dheengano Mahesar, Tehsil Sajawal. District health authorities have been instructed to bolster surveillance and engage communities in vaccination awareness efforts.
Initial findings indicate that the deceased children were afflicted with measles, yet received treatment solely at home. Despite ongoing vaccination drives, inadequate parental awareness has resulted in incomplete immunization coverage in the area. Nonetheless, routine immunization rates in the district show promising improvement.
