Sindh immunisation programme didn't stop during pandemic but slowed: Dr Azra Pechuho.

KARACHI -- The Sindh Expanded Programme of Immunisation for children under five years was not halted during the coronavirus pandemic, however, it had slowed down as people feared going to EPI centres because of the virus, Provincial Health Minister Dr Azra Pechuho said Thursday.

The Sindh health minister said she had directed health officials to continue vaccinating children during this time.

Immunisation centres remained open but fewer people turned up with their children. The immunisation rate fell during April and May because of this and also due to vaccinators testing positive for COVID-19.

Though the rate increased in the past month, it still wasn't satisfactory, Dr Pechuho said at the EPI'S quarterly review meeting. People need to be encouraged to visit EPI facilities, she added.

Health officials had been going door to door to immunise children, according to the health minister. She instructed Emergency Operations Centre Coordinator Mr Fayyaz Abbasi and Programme Director EPI Dr Akram Sultan to resolve issues related to vaccinators.

Families can also get their children vaccinated at mobile...