BAJAUR: Health officials on Saturday revealed that the measles infection had claimed the lives of seven children and infected 550 others during the recent outbreak in Bajaur.

In this season [winter] seven children have died and 550 others were infected by measles in Bajaur recently, said Dr Hayat Afridi, acting district health officer, while speaking to media during the inauguration ceremony of the 14-day anti- measles and rubella campaign.

Dr Hayat Afridi, who is also the medical superintendent (MS) of the district headquarters hospital Khar, told reporters that as per their investigation, the deceased and infected children were vaccinated against measles.

The recent measles outbreak overwhelmed Khar hospital, forcing staff to place three to four children on the same bed,” the official disclosed. He urged parents to get their children vaccinated against measles to protect them from the deadly disease.

The inauguration ceremony of the massive anti- measles and rubella campaign, which would formally commence from November 17 and continue till November 30 was held at district headquarters hospital Khar.

Senior officials of the district administration, health department including Nawagi subdivision assistant commissioner Irshadul Haq and Dr Farman Khan attended the ceremony and highlighted the significance of the drive.

The ceremony was informed that a total of 224,273 children aged between six months and five years would be vaccinated against measles and rubella, saying 244,000 children up to five years would also receive polio drops during the campaign.

Officials said 219 mobile teams of health staff would participate in the drive, vaccinating children in community centres, guest houses, mosques, schools and other public places across the district.

Besides the mobile teams, the health officials noted that vaccination teams would also be stationed at all 44 health facilities across the district, also known as fixed vaccination centres.

The health department with the support of district administration has finalised all arrangements for the successful launch of the anti-measles and rubella campaign, crucial for children and their mothers,” the officials added.

Assistant commissioner Irshadul Haq and Dr Hayat Afridi on the occasion urged local residents to support the campaign by bringing their children to vaccination centres to protect them from infections once and forever. They also asked the elders, political and religious leaders to make the campaign a success by convincing the community for the drive.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2025