PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) health department report said that seven districts – including Peshawar – failed to achieve the anti-measles and rubella vaccination targets.
The health department’s report said that in Peshawar, only 63% children could be vaccinated against measles, 95% in Khyber and 96% children have been vaccination in Swabi district. The report added that 99% children in Chitral upper, Chitral Lower, Kolai-Palas and Kohistan could be vaccinated.
The health department directed to collect data of private schools which have refused to vaccinate 100% children against measles.
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On 25 November, the Peshawar district administration sealed 25 private schools for refusing to allow vaccination of student against measles and rubella. A statement issued by the district said administration said that during the meeting of officials of district administration, world health organisation and health department officials, hurdles in the way of vaccination were discussed. The report said that the rate of vaccination is lower in Peshawar than other distorts despite the availability of all possible resources.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health department will launch measles-rubella vaccination campaign across the province from 15 November. The health officials said that 15 million children will be administered Measles-Rubella vaccines through 13741 teams. The campaign was continued till 27 November. More than 60% of the campaign will be completed by vaccinating children in schools
This year, the health department has confirmed 2638 measles cases. However, there are reports said most of private schools have refused to allow full vaccination of children.
The National Command and Operations Center (NCOC) had suspended corona-virus vaccination for children between the ages of 12 and 15 due to the National Measles campaign. The Campaign remained continue till 27 November across the country.
On 29 November, the Peshawar district administration sealed eight schools in the district for refusing to vaccinate children against measles and rubella. The officials said that the district administration visited schools in Shaheen Muslim Town, Warsak Road, Gulabad, Hayatabad, Faqirabad, Masho Gagar, Chamkani and Dalzak Road and Charsadda Road. The officials said that a total of eight private schools were sealed off for refusing to vaccinate students during the anti-measles and rubella vaccination campaign.