The HPV vaccination campaign has been extended for three more days across Sindh, including Karachi.
According to details, 59% of targeted girls have been vaccinated during the 12-day campaign, while sessions will continue in schools to vaccinate the remaining 41%.
Mobile teams have also been instructed to continue their activities for the catch-up campaign. In this regard, the Project Director of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Sindh, Dr. Raj Kumar, has written a letter to all district health officers.
According to the letter, 59% of girls have been vaccinated in the first 12 days of the ongoing HPV vaccination campaign in Sindh. To achieve the set target, the Sindh Health Department has extended the campaign for three days, from September 29 to October 1. During this period, special focus will be given to union councils where most girls have not yet received the vaccine.
School sessions will also continue where the coverage is below 80% or where vaccination teams have not yet reached. All field teams and supervisors have been directed to participate in catch-up activities without any additional budget.
The Education Department will remain engaged in the campaign to improve school access. Deputy Commissioners will supervise catch-up activities at the district level. Social leaders, teachers, parents, and religious scholars will be included in awareness sessions to increase public support and confidence in the vaccine.
Meanwhile, with the help of civil society organizations, community outreach will also be expanded. Additionally, instructions have been issued to maintain proper records of used vaccine vials at health centers and district levels.
