Ulema and leading scholars gathered at a seminar organized by EPI Punjab with UNICEF support and in collaboration with the Auqaf Department to educate communities on health and hygiene, breastfeeding, vaccination, nutrition and WASH. The event aimed to mobilize religious leadership to support public health measures and strengthen community trust in vaccines.
Speakers underscored the urgency of MR vaccination to prevent Measles and Rubella, and highlighted Punjab’s upcoming MR Vaccination Campaign running from November 17 to 29, 2025. Religious leaders urged parents to use the campaign period to ensure their children receive protection and to help counter myths and misinformation about vaccines.
Dr. Samra Khurram, Director EPI, addressed participants alongside Provincial Khateeb Allama Mukhtar Ahmed Nadeem and CEO (Health) Lahore Dr. Asif. Allama Mukhtar Ahmed Nadeem emphasized the crucial role of ulema in community education and called on scholars to play an active role in encouraging families to prioritise MR vaccination.
Dr. Samra Khurram provided a detailed overview of Measles and Rubella, outlining common symptoms, modes of transmission and practical preventive measures. She linked vaccination to wider public health actions including improved WASH practices, breastfeeding and nutrition to reduce childhood illness and strengthen immunity.
Notable social and behaviour change communicators from UNICEF also spoke, including SBC Specialist Mr. Ejaz Ul Rehman, SBC Officer Mr. Habib Asgher, SBC Officer UNICEF-PEI Mr. Bilal Khalid and SBC Consultant Mr. Aqeel Sarfraz. Representatives from the Health & Population Department, World Health Organization Pakistan, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, NIH and the Ministry of National Health Services joined efforts to support the campaign and liaise with the Auqaf, Hajj and Religious Affairs Department and the All Pakistan Vaccinators Group.
Organisers appealed to local religious institutions and community networks to support outreach during the MR vaccination drive and to help dispel fears surrounding vaccines. With the MR vaccination campaign scheduled for November 17 to 29, families in Punjab are encouraged to visit local vaccination points and consult health workers to protect children against measles and rubella.
