Provincial Minister for Health Sindh, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, inaugurates World Immunization Week
Adnan Athar
Commitment to ensure 100% vaccination coverage for all children in Sindh
Karachi – Provincial Minister for Health and Population Welfare Sindh, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, formally inaugurated World Immunization Week 2026 today at SMB Fatima Jinnah Government School.
The provincial-level event was attended by government officials, international partners, and representatives of civil society, marking a renewed commitment to accelerate life-saving vaccination services across all districts of Sindh.
In her address, Dr. Azra Pechuho emphasized that immunization is not merely a medical necessity but a fundamental right of every child.
“Vaccines are our strongest shield against disability and death. Our mission is to ensure that every child in Sindh—whether living in the high-rise buildings of Karachi or in a remote village of Tharparkar—is protected from preventable diseases.”
Under her leadership, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Sindh has achieved record progress:
* Routine Immunization coverage has reached a historic level of 80%.
* Penta-1 coverage has exceeded 95%, reflecting strong parental trust at the start of the vaccination schedule.
* BCG coverage has surpassed 90%.
* Vaccination services are now directly accessible to 91% of Sindh’s population.
Dr. Pechuho highlighted that the Government of Sindh has adopted innovative approaches to reach children who have not received even a single dose (zero-dose children). Birth doses are being ensured immediately after delivery in major hospitals.
To facilitate working parents, vaccination centers are now offering services during evenings and weekends. Alongside vaccination, attention is also being given to basic nutrition to support healthy child development.
On this occasion, the Health Minister also announced a major Polio Booster Campaign scheduled from May 11 to May 24, 2026. She urged schools, community leaders, and parents to demonstrate the same enthusiasm for the campaign as seen during World Immunization Week.
Dr. Azra Pechuho expressed her gratitude to Shehzad Roy and Zindagi Trust for integrating health awareness into the education system. She also appreciated the tireless efforts of international partners and the field teams of the EOC Sindh.
At the conclusion of 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 guardians. She urged every parent and teacher to become a “vaccine champion,” adding, “Together, we can eliminate measles, polio, and pneumonia from our land.”
