On 14 November 2025 the Expanded Programme on Immunization Gilgit-Baltistan, with support from UNICEF, organized an awareness session at Karakoram International University to prepare for the upcoming MR Campaign. Faculty and students from multiple departments attended, demonstrating strong interest in public health measures and community mobilization for measles and rubella vaccination.
Dr. Arif, Advisor to the Vice Chancellor, welcomed the EPI team and praised the choice of KIU as a platform to engage young people. He highlighted the role of universities in shaping responsible citizens and pledged that KIU faculty and students would help share accurate MR Campaign information with families and communities across Gilgit-Baltistan.
Technical presentations by Dr. Muharram Ali and Jan Muhammad outlined the MR Campaign plans, describing target age groups, vaccination strategies and the expected outcomes aimed at reducing outbreaks. They emphasized how measles can progress to pneumonia, brain infections and severe dehydration, and explained the particular danger rubella poses for pregnant women and newborns.
Dr. Sher Wali, Dean of Biological Sciences, urged students to act as health ambassadors, supporting immunization efforts both within the university and in surrounding communities. His remarks focused on practical ways youth can raise awareness and encourage timely vaccination during the MR Campaign.
The session ended with closing comments from Mubashir Hussain, C4D Consultant at EPI GB, who thanked the Dean, faculty and especially the students for their active participation. He stressed that community awareness and youth involvement are essential to achieve the high coverage required for a successful MR Campaign 2025, and noted that EPI GB will continue similar outreach in educational institutions and local communities to inform and motivate parents and caregivers.
