Latest news with #ExpandedProgramonImmunisation
Express Tribune
28-07-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Vehari hospitals overwhelmed by measles outbreak
A growing measles outbreak in Vehari and its surrounding villages has exposed severe cracks in the district's healthcare system, with overcrowded hospitals, lack of basic facilities, and delayed medical response. In Chak 37 WB's Basti Sheikhawali, residents claim that at least two children have died from measles-related complications. Families say health teams failed to arrive in time, and critical care was either delayed or absent altogether. In hospitals, patientsmostly childrenare reportedly being treated on the floor or squeezed two or three to a bed due to a severe shortage of space and resources. Frustrated locals staged protests, accusing the health department of focusing on "photo opportunities" rather than delivering effective, on-ground interventions. "Where were the teams when our children were dying?" asked one protester. Health authorities, however, have rejected claims of negligence and measles-related deaths. Vehari Health CEO Dr Fahad Waheed stated that no fatalities due to measles have been recorded and that the Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI) teams are active in the field. He said 578 suspected measles cases have been reported in the district since January 2025, but only 66 have tested positive so far. In Union Council 5, of the nine suspected cases, only one was clinically confirmed. Dr Waheed further emphasised that MR1 and MR2 vaccination rates in Vehari stand at 92% and 90%, respectivelyfigures consistent with national targets. Regarding a child's death in Shabbirabad, which residents linked to the measles outbreak, the health department clarified it was caused by neonatal tetanus following an unsafe delivery conducted at home by an untrained midwife. Legal action has been recommended against those responsible and crash immunisation and awareness campaigns are now underway in the affected regions. Despite these clarifications, civil society leaders remain unconvinced. Civic activist Sajid Masood Mughal, expressed skepticism over official statements. "The numbers don't match the chaos we're witnessing in hospitals. Bed shortages and lack of urgent care are real," said a resident. The local activists called on the Punjab government to ensure swift, visible action, warning that without expanded vaccination, early diagnosis, and grassroots awareness, the situation could deteriorate further. They also urged authorities to strengthen the district's healthcare infrastructure before the outbreak spirals out of control.
Eyewitness News
26-04-2025
- Health
- Eyewitness News
Immunisation protects and builds population immunity
JOHANNESBURG - The common cold, flu, measles and polio were once life-threatening diseases, but vaccines have saved millions of lives. Regular vaccinations have protected children and adults from life-altering diseases such as polio that could leave one paralysed. Spokesperson for the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, Dwayne Evans, said that vaccines are some of the most powerful tools humanity has in fighting against infectious diseases. "The department regularly conducts vaccine drives across the province, especially in communities where the vaccine uptake may be lower. These drives are aligned with national health priorities, including the recent campaign for measles and HPV." He adds that immunisation protects the person who receives the vaccine and helps build population immunity. "In addition, catch-up immunisation forms part of our EPI or Expanded Program on Immunisation. This allows health care workers to bring a child's vaccinations up to date, if any scheduled doses have been missed."
