KARACHI, November 19 2024: The Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) has commended the Sindh Government’s large-scale vaccination initiative, highlighting its importance in addressing a critical gap left during the Covid-19 pandemic. PIMA’s Central President, Prof. Atif Hafeez Siddiqui, has urged other provinces to adopt similar measures to protect the nation’s children from preventable diseases.
In a statement issued on Monday, Prof. Siddiqui praised Sindh’s proactive efforts, particularly at a time when outbreaks like diphtheria are posing a serious threat to children’s health in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “This epidemic highlights the urgent need for 100% vaccination coverage to safeguard our future generations,” he said.
A Call for Nationwide Action
Acknowledging Sindh’s lead, PIMA urged federal and provincial governments to extend the vaccination campaign across the country. Prof. Siddiqui emphasized the need to strengthen the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), which he said is crucial for achieving sustainable public health outcomes.
“Public health is the foundation of a strong nation. Strengthening EPI and ensuring no child is left unvaccinated should be a top priority,” he added. He also highlighted the need for robust public awareness campaigns to encourage participation in such initiatives.
Parental Responsibility in the Spotlight
Appealing directly to parents, Prof. Siddiqui said, “This is not just the government’s responsibility. Parents and guardians must take an active role in protecting their children’s health by ensuring they receive vaccinations.”
Diphtheria: A Growing Concern
Recent weeks have seen a spike in diphtheria cases, with Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reporting large numbers of affected children. This has raised alarm among health experts, who warn of the long-term consequences of insufficient immunization coverage.
The Bigger Picture
PIMA’s call to action aligns with global efforts to bolster immunization campaigns that were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly emphasized the importance of catching up on missed vaccinations to prevent avoidable disease outbreaks.
