The Sindh Extended Program of Immunization (EPI) has increased field monitoring activities in different districts to ensure effective and timely preparations for the upcoming important vaccination campaigns. These include the “Big Catch Up” campaign, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, and the Measles vaccination campaign. The main target of these visits is to monitor ongoing immunization activities, ensure accuracy of data, and improve services at the district level.

Dr. Raj Kumar, Program Director EPI Sindh, and Dr. Sohail Raza Sheikh, Additional Director, are leading the provincial teams, and field activities are robust. Dr. Arsalan Memon, Dr. Adnan Khan, and other authorities are accompanying these teams to visit fixed points, Basic Health Units (BHUs), and outreach. Their focus is to review the performance of vaccinators, the availability of cold chain, vaccines, and micro-planning.

Recent monitoring visits have covered numerous districts, including Matiari, Larkana, Sukkur, Thatta, Dadu, Jamshoro, Naushahro Feroze, Hyderabad, and various areas of Karachi. Notable visits include the Basic Health Unit in Union Council Odero Lal in Matiari and BHU Lakha in Jamshoro, where the teams closely supervised field sessions and engaged with staff.

In Naushahro Feroze, a target-setting session was organized with Lady Health Supervisors. This program is designed to reach out to and vaccinate “missing” and “zero-dose” children through the widespread network of Lady Health Workers. This is to be done in two days by taking advantage of the fact that 80% of the district is already covered by Lady Health Workers, substantially helping effective micro-planning.

These extensive field operations reflect EPI Sindh’s firm commitment towards child immunization. The program is working closely with district teams to address real-time issues on the ground. In the next HPV campaign, a particular emphasis is being put on adolescent girls, which requires sensitive and appropriate communication strategies. The ultimate aim of these field activities is not just to accomplish more vaccination coverage but also to secure the successful execution of future campaigns with public confidence and transparency.