Anti-Measles Campaign underway in Pakistan Five Fast Facts about Measles crisis
A 12 day national anti-measles campaign is being carried out from 15 to 27 Oct across the country.
(WebDesk) - From 15 to 27 October, in a wake of nationwide anti-measles campaign approximately 31.8 million children aged from 9 to 59 months will be vaccinated across the country. Only in Punjab, the anti-measles campaign targeting 20 million children of 6 to 83 months is being carried out.
A 12 day national anti-measles campaign is being carried out from 15 Oct to 27 Oct across the country. Photo: Online
A two week long Anti-measles countrywide immunization campaign is organized with national funding in collaboration of Polio Eradication Initiative. The October measles immunization campaign comes as a response to the ongoing measles outbreak in Pakistan. More than 24,000 measles cases were reported in Pakistan in 2017, and so far this year there have been 30,000 reported cases.
Also Read: Punjab measles death toll rises to 96
The inaugural ceremonies to launch a 12-day anti-measles campaign were held in Karachi, Lahore, Kohat, Peshawarm, Chitral, Quetta and other different parts of the country on October 15, 2018. The measles vaccine will be available free-of-charge at public and private health facilities and outreach sites where parents can get their children vaccinated across the country. From President of Pakistan Arif Alvi to many government officials have taken part in the national anti-measles drive.
Islamabad: President Dr. Arif Alvi inaugurating the National Measles Campaign at the Federal Government Services Hospital Polyclinic. Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Aamer Mehmood Kiani is also present. Photo: Online
Here are the fast five facts each and every individual living in Pakistan must know to protect their children from deadly disease:
1- Measles is an infection of the respiratory system, immune system and skin caused by a virus. The measles virus normally grows in the cells that line the back of the throat and lungs. Fever, Dry cough, Runny nose, Sore throat, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis), rashes, hives and red and white spots in mouth are common symptoms.
Also Read: Cheap, portable test can identify risk of measles
2- Measles is a highly contagious disease which can be fatal in children, but is preventable with vaccination. Two doses of measles vaccine are supposed to be given to all children in life.
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KOHAT: Deputy Commissioner Hangu Fahad Khan inaugurates the anti-measles drive campaign. Photo: Online
3- Pakistan was amongst countries where measles was a big health challenge. Measles outbreak often makes way and takes the lives of minors as a large proportion of children are not vaccinated against measles. According to WHO standards, 95 per cent coverage is the necessary rate to avert an outbreak as the disease is highly infectious.
4- According to WHO, on an average more number of measles cases were reported in 2017 and 2018 in Pakistan as compared to 2016. Measles incidence for 2016 was 16.06 per cent and has gone up to 36.67 per cent in 2017 which needs an immidiate attention for 2018. The officials fear the actual number may be much higher. Except for Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, all other provinces and territories report 50 per cent or less vaccine coverage.
5- Before the introduction of measles vaccine in 1963 and widespread vaccination, major epidemics occurred approximately every 2–3 years and measles caused an estimated 2.6 million deaths each year across the world. During 2000-2016, measles vaccination prevented an estimated 20.4 million deaths globally, making measles vaccine one of the best buys in public health.
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Lahore: Provincial Minister for Health Dr Yasmin Rashid inaugurated the anti-measles campaign. Photo: APP
