Independent Report
Kalat/Quetta:
Authorities in Kalat have reported encouraging progress after an emergency intervention was launched to tackle a measles-rubella (MR) outbreak in the remote villages of Soro and Lound, located in the Sheikhari area of UC Skalko. The response followed the detection of suspected cases in these geographically isolated and security-sensitive localities.
Deputy Commissioner Kalat, Munir Ahmed Durrani, confirmed that immediate measures were initiated to prevent further spread of the infection. A Rapid Response Team (RRT), headed by Mir Bilal, M&E Officer of EPI Kalat, carried out field operations despite difficult terrain and security constraints. The team included WHO vaccinator Muhammad Hafeez and community volunteers Mufti Ali Hasan, Najibullah Mengal, and Mir Nazar Khan.
During the operation, health workers undertook detailed case investigations, active surveillance, and conducted 30 house-cluster inquiries. Thirteen suspected MR cases were registered in the EPI Pakistan application. Blood samples were obtained from four affected children, while one fatality was reported. Preventive vaccination was administered to 24 children between the ages of six months and eight years, along with vitamin A supplementation to strengthen immunity and limit transmission. The collected samples are being dispatched to the National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad for laboratory analysis.
District Health Officer Kalat, Dr. Anjum Baloch, noted that resistance to vaccination had previously been observed within the Soro village community, posing challenges to immunization efforts and sample collection. To address the situation, health camps were organized in both villages, providing outpatient care and essential medicines to residents, particularly women and children. Community members were educated on the significance of EPI vaccines and the prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).
Health officials also intensified awareness efforts to build trust and encourage parents to ensure routine immunization for children under five. Chairman UC Skalko Haji Abdul Wahid Pindrani extended active support to the RRT and vaccination campaign and assured continued cooperation in upcoming health initiatives.
The District Health Officer further stated that EPI, ORT, and polio vaccination teams will sustain outreach activities in the area. Citizens of Kalat have been urged to take their children to nearby health facilities for immunization and to extend full support to visiting vaccination teams. Any shortcomings in coverage, he advised, should be promptly reported to the DHO office to prevent further health risks.
