KARACHI: The Sindh health department has launched a 13-day campaign to vaccinate school-going children against extensively drug resistance (XDR) typhoid in Karachi and Hyderabad.
The campaign aimed at vaccinating approximately 8.9 million school-going children against XDR typhoid in Karachi and Hyderabad.
The campaign, spanning from May 13 to May 25, targets school children aged nine months to 15 years across eight districts of Sindh, encompassing seven districts within the Karachi division and one in Hyderabad.
Sindh Health Minister Azra Pechuho emphasized the importance of vaccination, urging parents to ensure their children receive the necessary immunizations. With the active participation of 7,000 volunteers, the campaign aims to achieve widespread coverage and protect vulnerable populations from the threat of XDR typhoid.
Parents who neglect to vaccinate their children were warned of potential consequences. Project Director Dr. Naeem outlined the vaccination strategy, revealing plans to administer the vaccine in schools across 31 union councils. The overarching goal is to shield children from typhoid, a water and foodborne illness that poses significant health risks, including complications affecting the brain, intestines, kidneys, and bones.
According to an EPI official, the urgency of the vaccination campaign is underscored by the high incidence of typhoid cases reported in Sindh. Between January and June 2023, 6,800 cases of all typhoid strains, including multi-drug resistant (MDR), XDR, and non-resistant forms, were recorded, indicating the pressing need for preventive interventions.
