Camps set up in remote areas of Upper Kohistan to safeguard children from infectious illnesses

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jun, 2026) To protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases and curb the spread of infectious diseases in the remote, sparsely populated mountainous areas of Upper Kohistan district, three vaccination camps were organized to provide essential immunization services to underserved communities.

The camps were established at Sachoi, Thoki and Gujjar bond in Gabar Nala (Goshali), located about 24 kilometres east of Komila Bazaar off the Karakoram Highway.

Residents of Gabar Nala, also known as Goshali, are scattered across rugged mountainous terrain and live under challenging geographical conditions, making access to healthcare services very difficult.

“To ensure vaccination coverage in these hard-to-reach areas, HHUJRA Village Support Organization (HVSO), with support from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, organized the camps, says Dr Munib, team lead HUJRA.

The initiative aimed to improve immunization coverage and raise awareness among community members about the importance of routine vaccination for children and pregnant women.

The camps marked an important step towards improving public health in the remote mountainous region by protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases and reducing the risk of infectious disease outbreaks, he added.

Health workers administered vaccines in accordance with the national immunization schedule and guided disease prevention and child health.

During the camps, children were vaccinated against various diseases, particularly measles, while special efforts were made to identify and vaccinate zero-dose children who had not previously received routine immunization.

The camps played a significant role in extending vaccination services to remote and scattered populations and successfully brought many previously unvaccinated children into the immunization network.

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Local residents appreciated the initiative and described it as a major step towards protecting children's health and improving access to essential healthcare services in the area.

Before the camps, community mobilization activities were carried out to encourage participation. As a result, parents and caregivers actively brought their children for vaccination. At the same time, health workers educated families about the benefits of timely immunization and the importance of completing follow-up doses.

In addition to vaccination services, outpatient department (OPD) facilities and general medical check-ups were provided. Patients were screened for common illnesses, including fever, diarrhoea and skin infections.

EPI antigens were administered according to schedule to children up to five years of age and pregnant women.

Essential medicines, including deworming tablets, iron and folic acid supplements, and oral rehydration salts (ORS), were also distributed free of cost.

A total of 98 patients received general OPD services, while 127 children were vaccinated during the camps. Among them, 27 were identified as zero-dose children and were immunized during the campaign.

Besides medical services, around 20 awareness sessions were conducted for parents and caregivers to highlight the benefits of immunization and educate participants about childhood and adult vaccination schedules.

The sessions also focused on addressing myths and misconceptions surrounding vaccines and immunization.

The vaccination camps in Gabar successfully achieved their objectives by delivering essential immunization services, improving healthcare access and enhancing community awareness regarding the importance of vaccination.