District Readiness Meeting Oversees MR/OPV Campaign Plans
A district readiness meeting was convened under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner Sanghar, Sarah Javed, to review preparations for the upcoming Measles and Rubella (MR) and Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) vaccination campaign. The meeting focused on logistical arrangements, cold chain management, vaccine supplies, and coordination with local health teams to ensure an effective rollout across the district.
Key Objectives of the MR/OPV Campaign
The campaign aims to immunize children against measles, rubella, and polio, helping to close immunity gaps and protect vulnerable populations. Officials emphasized reaching children in both urban centers and underserved rural areas, with particular attention to marginalized communities where vaccination coverage has historically been lower.
Logistics and Cold Chain Management
Discussants reviewed the vaccine supply pipeline, transport arrangements, storage facilities, and daily stock accountability. Maintaining the cold chain is paramount to preserving vaccine efficacy, and teams were tasked with monitoring temperature logs at every vaccination site and during transit between storage hubs.
Vaccination Sites and Workforce Deployment
Plans were laid out for a network of fixed and outreach sites, ensuring maximum geographic coverage. Health workers, including vaccinators and data recorders, will operate under standardized protocols to minimize gaps in service. Training refreshers were scheduled to reinforce safe administration practices and proper documentation of doses.
Community Engagement and Public Awareness
Officials highlighted the importance of community mobilization to maximize turnout. Local leaders, school authorities, and religious institutions will be engaged to disseminate clear information about the campaign schedule, benefits of vaccination, and the safety of MR and OPV doses. Public communication materials will emphasize the continued safety and efficacy of vaccines and the role of immunization in protecting children and the broader community.
Safety, Surveillance, and Adverse Event Readiness
A robust adverse event following immunization (AEFI) management plan was reviewed. Health facilities are prepared to monitor for mild post-vaccination reactions and escalate any serious events through established referral pathways. Surveillance teams will collect data to track coverage, identify pockets of non-participation, and inform future outreach efforts.
Timeline and Next Steps
The MR/OPV vaccination drive is planned to run from November 17 through late November, with additional follow-up activities as needed to ensure complete coverage. The Deputy Commissioner directed all departments to finalize site readiness, confirm vaccine stock levels, and secure adequate transport resources ahead of the campaign start date. A final briefing will be held to review progress and address any remaining operational gaps.
Impact on Public Health and Community Protection
By consolidating planning efforts across administrative levels, Sanghar aims to deliver high-quality vaccination services that protect children from measles, rubella, and polio. Strong coordination between health authorities, local governments, and community organizations is expected to improve access to vaccination and strengthen routine immunization efforts beyond the campaign period.
