Sindh Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, officially launched the World Immunisation Week 2026 at SMB Fatima Jinnah Government School, reaffirming the government’s dedication to achieving 100 percent vaccination coverage for children throughout the province.
The provincial ceremony was attended by government officials, international partners, and representatives from civil society, signifying a renewed effort to increase access to life-saving vaccines across all districts in Sindh.
In her address, Dr. Azra Pechuho highlighted that immunisation is not merely a medical requirement but a fundamental right for every child.
She stated that vaccination acts as the most effective defense against disability and mortality, saying that the government’s mission is to protect every child in Sindh, whether they reside in urban areas like Karachi or in remote regions such as Tharparkar.
Under her guidance, the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Sindh has made remarkable strides.
Routine immunisation coverage has reached an unexpected 80 percent, while Penta-1 coverage has surpassed 95 percent, indicating strong parental confidence in vaccination services.
Additionally, BCG vaccination coverage has exceeded 90 percent, and vaccination services have now reached 91 percent of the province’s population.
She also recognised the efforts of Shehzad Roy and the Zindagi Trust in advancing health awareness within the educational framework, and expressed gratitude towards the contributions of international partners and the EOC Sindh field teams.
The Minister made it clear to the public that all vaccines are available at no cost through the government, yet the ultimate responsibility rests with parents and guardians.
She urged parents and educators to take on the role of “vaccine champions,” highlighting that collaborative efforts can eradicate diseases like measles, polio, and pneumonia from the area.
Sindh govt to launch polio campaign in May
Dr. Pechuho also announced a province-wide polio booster campaign set to take place from May 11 to May 24, 2026. She called upon schools, community leaders, and parents to actively support the campaign with the same enthusiasm shown during World Immunisation Week.
The Minister noted that the Sindh government has implemented innovative strategies to reach zero-dose children who have not received any vaccinations.
Birth doses are being administered immediately after delivery in major hospitals, and vaccination centers have extended their hours to evenings and weekends to accommodate working parents.
In accordance with immunisation efforts, initiatives are also in progress to improve child nutrition to ensure healthy growth and development.
Read more: Punjab govt to launch polio vaccination campaign on April 13
