Health Minister Welcomes Ulema Support for Measles Rubella Campaign

03/11/21

Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid pleaded Ulema to come forward and educate people on health during a seminar organized for Ulema from across the province at a local hotel. The seminar was organized by the Expanded Program on Immunization Punjab with the help of Unicef and Auqaf Department in connection with upcoming Measles and Rubella Campaign in November. The Health Minister said that no one can communicate with communities better than Ulema. Present on the occasion were Director General Health Services Punjab Dr. Haroon Jehangir, Chief Field Office Unicef Dr. Willbroad, Health Specialist Dr. Tahir Manzoor, WHO Technical Officer Dr. Nauman Khan, Unicef Consultants Dr. Mushtaq Shad, Director EPI Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Awan and others. The DG health welcomed the participants and explained the purpose of the event, organized in collaboration with Auqaf Department. Mufti Ramzan Sialvi, Maulana Ahmed Raza Sialvi, Allama Sajjad Hussain, Maulana Abdur Rehman and notable Ulema from all sections joined to support the cause. In her address, the Health Minister said, “The Measles Rubella campaign in November is the largest ever vaccination campaign for children in history. In our neighbouring country, the Measles Rubella campaign was conducted in phases whereas we are conducting a nationwide one-go campaign. Measles and Rubella can be dangerous but can be prevented through vaccination. This campaign is being conducted to safeguard our generations from these two diseases. The campaign shall be held from November 15 to 27 and 46.6 million children from 9 months to 15 years shall be vaccinated.” Elaborating further, the Minister said, “I am glad the support of Ulema for vaccination is so forthcoming. Prevention is always better than cure and vaccine is the most cost effective prevention intervention in public health. Educating people on health is a virtuous act and Allah likes those who save lives. I hope with Ulema support we shall make this campaign a success.

We will able to save thousands of lives through MR vaccine every year. Pregnant women who contract rubella are at risk for miscarriage or stillbirth, and their developing babies are at risk for severe birth defects with devastating consequences. I have been working on genetic diseases over the past three decades. Disability among children can be so distressing for parents and I have seen this in Thalassemia patients. We all shall be answerable to Allah for the responsibilities entrusted upon us. Our responsibility as doctors is to treat people and I often say it is prophetic profession. Doctors are called Messiahs. I am humbled Allah made me doctor and gave me opportunity to serve people. Our children are our future and today, the purpose of inviting Ulema is to take them on board in health awareness. Ulema must educate people in Juma prayers about prevention from disease. Spreading awareness is the biggest Sadqa-i-Jariya. Prime Minister Imran Khan is taking revolutionary steps to provide quality healthcare services to people. By 31st December, Universal health Coverage shall be provided to people. Healthy children are the biggest blessing of Allah.” Director EPI Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Unicef health Specialist Dr. Tahir Manzoor, WHO representative Dr. Nauman Khan and leading Ulema also expressed their views on stage.