Under the leadership of Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), Department of Health, Government of Balochistan, with the support of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Dopasi Foundation organized an Immunization Mela in District Lasbela, to raise awareness and promote advocacy around the importance of routine immunization for children and families. The community-focused event was arranged to reach the unreached communities and educate parents about life-saving vaccines and to address common misconceptions related to immunization.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner Lasbela Siraj Ahmed Baloch attended the event as Chief Guest, along with Dr Awais Wajid (MS DHQ Uthal & Coordinator NP), Dr. Kamar Roonja (Senior Medical Officer) and other senior government officials from the district administration and health department. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening routine immunization and community health awareness in the region.
While addressing the gathering, the Additional Deputy Commissioner stated, “Organizing such a festival particularly in Balochistan, is a remarkable achievement by Dopasi Foundation. Awareness- and trust-based initiatives like this play a critical role in building a healthy society.”
Dr. Farhajuddin Shaikh, Program Manager at Dopasi Foundation, emphasized the importance of routine immunization in protecting children from preventable diseases. He highlighted that EPI vaccines are safe, effective, and essential for safeguarding child health, and stressed the need for continued collaboration between communities, health workers, and government institutions to ensure no child is left behind.
Provincial Coordinator Mr. Abdul Qadir also addressed the participants, underscoring the life-saving impact of EPI vaccines. He encouraged parents to complete their children’s vaccination schedules on time and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening immunization services, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach areas of Balochistan.
A large number of parents, and children participated in the mela, reflecting strong community interest and engagement. The event featured a variety of child-friendly activities, including a magic show, singing performances, rides, and interactive segments focusing on raising awareness about routine immunization and importance of timely vaccination. Gifts were also distributed to children and mothers to encourage participation and reinforce key health messages. In addition, a special vaccination booth was also arranged to ensure timely vaccination of the children, where a large number of mothers got their children vaccinated.
Dopasi Foundation’s mascot, Teeku Buddy, played a central role in engaging with families by distributing informative IEC materials to parents. The material focused on the importance of routine immunization, vaccination schedules, and addressing myths and misconceptions surrounding vaccines.
The Immunization Mela concluded with a strong message on the importance of sustained awareness and community engagement to improve vaccination coverage. Such initiatives play a vital role in building trust, promoting informed decision-making, and ensuring that every child has access to essential vaccines for a healthier future.
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