In past few years Karachi and Hyderabad became a focus for international health organizations after outbreak of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid in Hyderabad and then its spread to Karachi.
This is why Government of Pakistan & Sindh Provincial Government started a new TVC vaccination campaign with a target of 5.2 million children.
These kids want to be protected against Typhoid. It is their basic right. Have you ensured your kids got their life-saving vaccination TCV during #MissionTyphoid
Happy Children. Happy Pakistan đ”đ°@UNICEF_Pakistan @WHO @PakFightsPolio @SindhGovt_ @SindhHealthDpt pic.twitter.com/MBpRqvunwn
— Federal EPI Pakistan Official (@EPIPakistan) November 22, 2019
This step was applauded and supported by World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations International Childrenâs Emergency Fund (UNICEF) but locally questions were raised on the safety of the vaccine.
People asked why such a mass campaign was initiated for Typhoid rather than other deadly diseases? And when some children in a private school fainted due to the vaccination rumours started to spread about the safety of the vaccination.
The first child who was vaccinated, was my Child, said The Pakistan pediatric association general secretary Dr. Khalid Shafi. He ensures that the Typhoid vaccination is very safe
Watch Video for further clarification#MissionTyphoidpic.twitter.com/oWDf7hvZvE— Umer Vlogger (@Umer_Vlogger) November 19, 2019
But all these questions and rumours were refuted by Prof Khalid Shafi who is the Vice President of the Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA). He assured parents that this new Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) is safe and have been used previously in Hyderabad and Lyari.
And the reason why XDR typhoid has received this attention is because itâs resistant to all antibiotics except one (Carbapenem).
This means in future we can face a typhoid which is not cure able, hence this vaccination drive was started to protect citizens from such scenario, claimed Prof Raza.
âIf the last drug against it fails, millions would die due to this treatable and preventable diseaseâ added Professor Raza.
Get your children vaccinated against the deadly disease now before it's too late. #MissionTyphoid pic.twitter.com/T6sApN5GVG
— Capt. Arham đ”đ° (@ArhamSayss) November 26, 2019
One of the greatest evidence for the safety of this vaccine is that it is pre-qualified by WHO, which means the production of TCV is rigorously monitored by WHO. This is why WHO recommends TCV, claimed WHO Pakistani representative Dr. Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala.
As we celebrate #WorldChildrensDay, let us remember that we need to ensure that every child has access to every right, starting with the right to health. Letâs protect children together by making sure they are all vaccinated this week of the next!#MissionTyphoid #VaccinesWork
— Aida Girma (@UNICEFPakRep) November 21, 2019
UNICEF Country Representative in Pakistan Aida Girma also appreciated this vaccination âWe applaud the commitment of the Government of Pakistan and Sindh authorities for prioritising the health of children.â