Sindh Minister for Health and Population Welfare Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho inaugurated the World Immunization Week 2026 at SMB Fatima Jinnah Government school, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring 100 percent vaccination coverage for children across the province.The provincial-level ceremony was attended by government officials, international partners, and civil society representatives, marking a renewed push to accelerate access to life-saving vaccines in all districts of Sindh. 

Addressing the event, Dr. Azra Pechuho emphasized that immunization is not just a medical necessity but a fundamental right of every child. She said that vaccines serve as the most powerful shield against disability and death, adding that government’s mission is to protect every child in Sindh, whether living in urban centers like Karachi or remote areas such as Tharparkar. Under her leadership, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Sindh has achieved significant progress.

Routine immunization coverage has reached a historic 80 percent, while Penta-1 coverage has exceeded 95 percent, reflecting strong parental trust in vaccination services. BCG vaccination coverage has also surpassed 90 percent, and vaccination services have now reached 91 percent of the province’s population.  Minister noted that Sindh government has adopted innovative strategies to reach zero-dose children who have not received any vaccines.

Birth doses are being administered immediately after delivery in major hospitals, while vaccination centers have extended their hours to evenings and weekends to facilitate working parents. Alongside immunization, efforts are also being made to improve child nutrition to ensure healthy growth and development. Dr. Pechuho also announced a province-wide polio booster campaign scheduled from May 11 to May 24, 2026.

She urged schools, community leaders, and parents to actively support the campaign with the same enthusiasm demonstrated during World Immunization Week. She acknowledged the contributions of Shehzad Roy and the Zindagi Trust for promoting health awareness in the education system, and appreciated the efforts of international partners and EOC Sindh field teams. Concluding the event, the health minister reminded the public that all vaccines are being provided free of cost by the government, but the responsibility ultimately lies with parents and guardians.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)