Over 13,000 measles and rubella cases reported last year, says K-P health minister
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Monday launched a province-wide measles and rubella vaccination campaign amid rising cases and preventable deaths, with senior government officials stressing the urgent need for public awareness and stronger health reforms.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, K-P Health Minister Khaliqueur Rahman said that more than 13,000 measles and rubella cases were reported in the province last year, while 25 children died, calling it a matter of grave concern.
He said the government aims to bring next year’s case count down to zero, but the target can only be achieved if parents fully understand the importance of vaccination. “Even a single death from measles is unacceptable, and the responsibility lies with all of us,” he said, urging parents to ensure timely immunisation for their children. He added that misinformation and misconceptions about vaccines continue to pose a major challenge.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information, Shafi Jan, said the campaign will continue from today until November 29 across all districts, with thousands of vaccination teams already mobilised. He said no immunisation initiative—whether polio or measles-rubella—can succeed without consistent public awareness.
Shafi Jan reiterated that the government’s top priorities remain health and education, announcing that the province is once again placing the health sector under health emergency status to accelerate reforms. “Today’s ceremony is part of our broader awareness drive,” he added.
K-P Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah said the provincial government has placed health at the core of its reform agenda. He said more than 6,500 vaccination teams are participating in the campaign, which will be monitored directly by the Secretary of Health.
He announced that 450 Primary Health Units across the province are being upgraded, each offering 24/7 mother-and-child health services. The Chief Secretary added that hospital revamping, availability of medicines, and adequate staffing are among the government’s foremost priorities.
He confirmed that approval has been granted for the construction of another major hospital in Peshawar, while funding constraints are “not an issue for the province”. Shahab Ali Shah also highlighted broader governance reforms, saying an all-parties jirga on law and order was recently held and a comprehensive strategy is being implemented to eliminate terrorism.
He further disclosed that action has been initiated against more than 200 forest department officials involved in illegal logging, adding that strict action will be taken against any government officer found negligent.
