By Imtiaz Hussain
SUKKUR: A capacity-building workshop for health beat journalists from Larkana and Khairpur districts was held in Gambat, Khairpur, to enhance their understanding and coverage of key immunization issues. The event, conducted under the directives of Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechoho, Secretary Health Rehan Iqbal Baloch, and EPI Project Director Dr Raj Kumar, was organized in collaboration with UNICEF.
The workshop aimed to sensitize journalists on critical vaccination topics, including multi-dose vial management, fixed-site vaccination strategy, the introduction of new vaccines such as the HPV vaccine for cancer prevention, and proper vaccine storage protocols. Sunil Raja, Immunization Officer from UNICEF, along with senior journalists Abdullah Sirohi and Salahuddin Abbasi, facilitated the sessions.
Journalists were informed that once a vaccine vial is opened, it must be used within six hours to maintain efficacy. The current vaccination model in Sindh follows a fixed-site and outreach strategy, meaning parents must bring their children to vaccination centers, as door-to-door visits by vaccinators are not practiced.
Rising measles cases were identified as a growing public health concern both nationally and globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 10.3 million measles cases were reported worldwide in 2023. To combat such challenges, Sindh has set a target to immunize 1.77 million newborns and 1.97 million pregnant women using a workforce of 3,252 vaccinators and a wide-reaching EPI network.
The workshop also highlighted the essential role of female vaccinators, especially in culturally sensitive areas. These vaccinators have been equipped with scooters to increase mobility and efficiency. Vaccine cold chain integrity is maintained through 1,938 EPI centers, 225 private facilities, and oversight by 30 district focal persons.
