ZHOB: “The Big Catch-up is a global effort to boost essential immunization among children and it is the right of every child to live a healthy life,” remarked Dr Fareed Tareen, District Health Officer, while inaugurating the third round of the Big Catch-up immunization campaign. The two-week long initiative seeks to protect children under five from twelve potentially fatal, yet entirely vaccine preventable diseases. Speaking at the launching ceremony, Dr Tareen emphasized that immunization is a critical investment in the health and future of the nation. “Every child, regardless of geographical location or socio-economic status, deserves protection,” he asserted. The drive, which started on June 16 and will continue until June 28, 2025 targets remote and marginalized communities throughout the district – a region bordering both Afghanistan and South Waziristan. To mark the official commencement of the campaign, Dr Tareen, accompanied by Medical Superintendent Dr Sultan Musakhel, Population Welfare Officer Haseeb Mandokhel, CCO ComNet Saeedullah Lawoon, DSV EPI Muhammad Ismail, N-STOP Officer Dr Aziz, Senior Pharmacist Dr Abdul Qayyum, Qasim Mandokhel, Sher Zaman Mandokhel, Roshan Khan, journalist Rafiullah Mandokhel, UCPOs WHO and CBOs ComNet, administered polio drops to children at the District Headquarters Teaching Hospital. News Desk
Saeedullah Lawoon, CCO ComNet, while speaking to media personnel, underscored the importance of reaching every eligible child.
“This campaign is a crucial step in protecting the most vulnerable segment of our society. We urge all parents to cooperate with vaccinators and help create a healthier future for our communities.”
Outlining the comprehensive outreach strategy, Muhammad Ismail, DSV EPI, said that immunization teams will operate from fixed sites, visit schools to ensure maximum coverage.
“We are fully committed to leaving no child missed during the campaign,” he vowed.
The campaign covers immunization against Polio, Measles, Tuberculosis (TB), Hepatitis-B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pneumonia, Diarrhea, Meningitis, Rubella, and Influenza, all of which pose serious threats to child health if left unchecked. Saeedullah Lawoon, CCO ComNet warned.
He appealed to parents, community leaders, tribal elders, and religious scholars to support the initiative, ensuring that no child under five is left behind.
As the campaign unfolds across the district, health officials remain optimistic. With robust community participation and collaboration, the campaign is expected to deliver meaningful public health outcomes and reinforce the commitment to child survival and wellbeing.
