An Immunization Mela held in District Lasbela brought together families, health officials and community workers to promote routine immunization and address vaccine misconceptions. Led by the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), Department of Health, Government of Balochistan, and supported by Gavi and the Dopasi Foundation, the event focused on reaching unreached communities and encouraging parents to complete vaccination schedules.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner Lasbela Siraj Ahmed Baloch attended as chief guest alongside senior health officials including Dr Awais Wajid (MS DHQ Uthal & Coordinator NP) and Dr Kamar Roonja. Their presence underlined government commitment to strengthening routine immunization and expanding access to essential child health services in remote areas of Balochistan.
Program Manager Dr Farhajuddin Shaikh of Dopasi Foundation highlighted that EPI vaccines are safe, effective and vital for protecting children from preventable diseases. He called for continued collaboration between communities, health workers and government institutions to ensure no child is left behind in routine immunization efforts.
Provincial Coordinator Abdul Qadir urged parents to adhere to vaccination schedules and reaffirmed plans to bolster immunization services in underserved and hard-to-reach communities. Local administrators and health staff used the mela to answer questions, dispel myths and build trust around routine immunization among attendees.
The community-focused programme attracted a large turnout of parents and children and combined health messaging with child-friendly activities such as a magic show, musical performances and rides to encourage attendance. Gifts were given to mothers and children to reinforce key health messages, while a dedicated vaccination booth offered on-site immunization where many children received timely vaccines.
Dopasi Foundation’s mascot Teeku Buddy played a central role in engaging families, distributing informative IEC materials that outlined vaccination schedules and addressed common misconceptions. The interactive approach helped create an atmosphere of trust and made health information accessible to parents across the district.
The Immunization Mela concluded with a clear call for sustained awareness and community engagement to improve vaccination coverage. By combining outreach, entertainment and accessible services, the event strengthened local efforts to safeguard child health through routine immunization.
