MARDAN, April 19: Child health and sanitation week will be observed in the district from 21sth to 26th of this month.

In this connection, the district health office organised a function at Mardan Press Club here on Saturday. The programme was participated by doctors, teachers and mediapersons. Speaking on the occasion, they deplored the deteriorating health situation. District Coordination Officer Mubassir Hassan said that every fifth child died before the age of five in the country because of improper care.

He said that administration of vaccines and proper care was extremely necessary for the new born children. He said that health department would observe child and sanitation week to create awareness among the masses.

He said that ulema, teachers, mediapersons, doctors, lady health workers and parents would be involved in the campaign. He said that up to two years children would be given drops while above two years would be given de-worming tablets, which he hoped would help the children to eradicate dangerous disease like diphtheria, tetanus, measles, hepatitis and polio.

DHO Dr Abdur Rahim Khan also spoke on the occasion. He asked members of civil society to come forward to save pregnant mothers from tetanus and help in administration of polio drops to the children.