IMMUNIZATION EEK FROM 24 TO 30 APRIL 2023

Every Year WHO celebrates Immunization Week from 24 to 30 April with a new Theme as theme for 2023 is “ The Big Catchup” .The purpose is to highlight the collective action needed and promote the use of vaccines for protecting people of all ages against diseases. This is a chance to reach millions of children who missed their vaccinations due to any reason which vary from area to area, community to community or region to region. Whatever reasons this is time to vaccinate children as many as possible who missed their routine vaccination due to Pandemic in 2019 and at least we can strength the immunization to that level Pakistan is one of few countries in which Polio & Measles are Endemic and also highest Mortality rate of Infants & Children under five years which are partially related to vaccine and can be prevented. A survey conducted by AKU with its Academic Partners between July 2022 to December 2020 has revealed that 76.1 % children under 2 years are fully vaccinated while 1 in every 6 i.e. 17.7 % are partially vaccinated while 5.9% have never vaccinated. Lowest coverage is reported in Survey in Baluchistan I .e 37.6% while in Sindh it is 61.1%. As we know that Immunization prevents 12 diseases and mainly in infants the death is from diarrhea,(Rota Vaccine),Meningitis(Penta containing Hib),Hepatitis (Penta), TB ,Measles & Typhoid (TCV ) and with these vaccines these deaths are preventable. Now vaccine for Rubella is also included in Routine Immunization (MR). The vaccines are free and cost effective with high Impact on Health. STEPS TO BE TAKEN TO MAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY SUCESSFUL IN REAL SENSE. Make a comprehensive Micro plan day wise. It must include hard to reach mobility areas as the Vaccinators need Mobility support. It should include the areas where the male vaccinators are not allowed so that the vaccination teams may be constituted according the local culture especially language issues are faced so they might be addressed before. The names of Notables, Teachers and other Influential with proper address as these are important to provide places for vaccination sessions. It must include AEFI focal persons properly with identified nearby health facilities to respond in case of any AEFI as one negligence can impact the whole campaign. It must include all Zero dose with due and defaulter including every house .If vaccination coverage is highest in any area the list may be less . Engage all stake holders especially District Government, NGOS, Social Welfare department ,Department ,Population welfare department especially police department because some times there is resistance to access in some areas &as they can assist to reach at root level. Before and during the week conduct community awareness sessions through LHWS ,In Health Facilities by Doctors ,Seminars (Involving community representatives not just photo sessions with banners) especially in schools as the students are best advocates to carry messages to home.(Personal Experience) Before going in any community tell them in advance the date of vaccination session through LHWS, Vaccinators, Notables & Pesh imams of Mosques as they have much influence in the community and can help to cover REFUSALS. The GPS are also helpful they must not only be informed but sensitized before start as they are also influential in community. And last but not the least comprehensive supervision plan must be implemented The DOH should provide all required facility including Mobility with fuel which is always lacking. By improving Immunization levels across country by 2030 we can meet SDG 3 which require to end all preventable deaths in newborn & Children.