PESHAWAR: The health department on Monday launched the Big Catch-Up Vaccination Campaign to immunise children under five years of age against 12 life-threatening diseases across the province.

The campaign was inaugurated by Dr Mohammad Saleem Khan, Director General Health Services, and Dr Asghar Khan, Director Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), at Maulvi Ameer

Shah Memorial Hospital here. Representatives from Unicef, WHO, GAVI and other partner organisations also attended the ceremony.

Speaking at the event, Dr Saleem Khan urged parents to ensure their children receive timely vaccinations.

“This campaign will run from July 14 to July 25, targeting approximately 700,000 children who have missed routine immunisations,” he said. “Vaccination is the most effective way to protect our children from deadly diseases,” DG health said.

Director EPI Dr Asghar Khan highlighted that over 4,000 vaccination teams have been deployed across the province to carry out this 12-day campaign.

“The campaign is focused on reaching children who were previously left out of routine immunisation schedules. This will not only boost their immunity but also help prevent the spread of contagious diseases,” he said.

He also shared recent data indicating 3,000 measles cases and 219 diphtheria cases reported so far this year in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He reassured the public that there is no shortage of diphtheria vaccine in the province and that sufficient stock is available with the health department.

Dr Asghar further stated that during the previous campaign, over 500,000 children were successfully vaccinated across the province.

He urged parents and caregivers to actively participate in the current drive and cooperate with health workers for the well-being of their children.

The Big Catch-Up campaign is part of the government’s broader strategy to close immunisation gaps, reduce child mortality, and strengthen the province’s public health system.

Published in Dawn, July 15th, 2025