KARACHI: In a significant move to strengthen routine immunization services across Sindh, the Minister for Health Sindh, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, inaugurated a fleet of 300 motorbikes for outreach vaccinators and formally launched a new initiative to provide paracetamol (Panadol) drops to families of vaccinated children.
The event, held at the Provincial EPI Office Sindh, was attended by Mr. Rehan Iqbal Baloch, Secretary Health Sindh, alongside a large gathering of health officials, development partners, and immunization stakeholders.
Welcoming the participants, Dr. Raj Kumar, Program Director EPI Sindh, reaffirmed the province’s commitment to reaching every child, especially in remote and underserved communities.
“These bikes will help vaccinators reach far-flung areas and conduct routine outreach sessions more effectively,” said Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho. “We are especially grateful to the World Health Organization (WHO) for their generous support in providing these motorbikes, which will serve 21 priority districts across Sindh.”
The districts include: Korangi, West, East, Malir, Kemari, Central, South, Hyderabad, Thatta, Sujawal, Dadu, Badin, Jamshoro, Sukkur, Ghotki, Khairpur, Mirpurkhas, Tharparkar, Shikarpur, Kambar, and Kashmore.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Health Mr. Rehan Iqbal Baloch stated,
“These bikes will strengthen our outreach capacity in low-coverage areas and help bridge the equity gap in immunization.”
Dr. Raj Kumar also acknowledged the continued leadership and support of the Health Minister and Secretary Health, noting that community outreach is a cornerstone of Sindh’s immunization strategy.
As part of the event, Dr. Sohail Raza Shaikh, Additional Director EPI Sindh, announced the rollout of paracetamol drops for every family bringing a child for vaccination.
“This initiative directly addresses caregiver concerns about post-vaccination fever and is expected to significantly reduce dropouts from the routine immunization schedule,” he explained.
Dr. Mukhtiar Bhayo, Head of WHO Sub-Office Sindh, reaffirmed WHO’s continued commitment to strengthening immunization efforts across the province.
Prominent health leaders and stakeholders present at the event included:
Dr. Sohail Raza Shaikh, Dr. Imdad Channa (DHO Malir), Dr. Wali Muhammad (DHO Kemari), Dr. Lajpat (DHO West), Dr. Sohail Memon (DHO Central), Dr. Shah Muhammad Shaikh (DHO Korangi), Dr. Khalilullah Memon, Dr. Ahsan Burghri (BMGF), Dr. Ubaidullah Shaikh (DHO South), Dr. Tariq Masood (Gavi Focal Person), Dr. Waqar Soomro (WHO), Suneel Raja (UNICEF), Dr. Arsalan Memon, Dr. Mehbob, Dr. Ghulam Hussain Buledi, Dr. Ramesh, Dr. Adnan, Dr. Zain, Tahira Bano, Meeran Yousuf, and Aijaz Jamali.
The Government of Sindh, through EPI and in collaboration with development partners, remains steadfast in its mission to ensure every child has access to life-saving vaccines—regardless of geography.
