Zhob, (Parliament Times) : “Routine immunization continues to be a cornerstone of child health in Balochistan, offering a powerful shield against life-threatening yet entirely vaccine-preventable diseases. In a poverty-stricken province, where the incidence of illnesses such as polio, measles, tetanus, and tuberculosis remains alarmingly high; the need to ensure timely vaccination for every child is more urgent than ever,” this was underscored by Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Qureshi – District Coordinator of the Aga Khan University’s ‘Strengthening Routine Immunization Program’.
He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the SRIP here at the DHO office in Zhob. The event drew participation from key health officials from the district.
Highlighting the strategic scope of the initiative, Qureshi briefed the participants on the program’s core objectives. He emphasized the urgency of reinforcing immunization systems, particularly in remote areas where healthcare infrastructure is sparse and communities remain vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.
“The newly initiated programme is set to be rolled out across 20 union councils of the district and is expected to significantly improve both immunization outreach and coverage, particularly in far-off rural areas.”
Speaking on the occasion, District Health Officer Dr Fareed Tareen lauded the initiative, noting that the SRIP will serve as a vital complement to the government’s ‘Expanded Programme on Immunization’ (EPI).
“The success of routine immunization lies not only in logistics but in trust building, raising awareness, and consistent delivery,” Dr Tareen remarked, adding, “SRIP will bridge the gap by extending health services to those who need them most.”
Due to the contributing factors including geographical isolation, poor infrastructure, and limited health awareness; rural parts of Balochistan often face low immunization coverage, putting thousands of children at risk of outbreaks and long-term health complications, but according to the health experts, the immunization not only reduces child mortality and morbidity but also helps alleviate the pressure on the already overburdened healthcare system in Balochistan.
An official at the programme, Amanullah Kharoti has expressed hope and said that the SRIP marks a significant step forward in the province’s ongoing efforts to reduce child mortality and strengthen public health resilience through collaborative, community-focused interventions.