May 15, 2008
"We did not even know that polio is a disease which can affect our children", said Komandan

Photo: Shah Jehan IMC / Pakistan

NID Campaign

Bashir the elder of Mera Kachawri Camp, for Afghan refugees near Peshawar, "but thanks to efforts of IMC we not only know about the disease and its prevention but are actively participating in the IMC's immunization campaigns to ensure that all the children in our camp are protected against Polio". As he spoke the IMC vaccinators were busy giving polio vacancies to the refugee children on the occasion of Pakistan National Immunization Days (NIDs) from May 6-8, 2008.

IMC has been providing health care services to the Afghan refugees living in Pakistan since 1985. Currently, IMC is providing health services through seven basic health units (BHUs) in Koga Camp in Buner, Barakai I and II Camps in

Photo: Shah Jehan IMC / Pakistan

NID Campaign

Swabi and Mera Kachawri, Baghbanan, Zandai and Mattani Camps and an Emergency Obstetric Centre (EmOC) in Peshawar, benefiting over 150,000 Afghan refugees. From February to April 2008, IMC assisted 29,992 Afghan refugees. The immunization services provided by IMC covered 100% of children under one. IMC also provided antenatal and postnatal care to 2,679 women and assisted in 231 births in EmOC. These services, along with regular health education sessions, have contributed to a reduction in morbidity and mortality rates in this population. The average crude mortality rate in each camp was below 1 per 1000 per month compared to 1.5 target indicator.

IMC regularly participates in the NIDs organized by the Health Department, Government of Pakistan and vaccinates refugee children in IMC camps in collaboration with WHO and Project Directorate Health (PDH) for the Refugees.

Photo: Shah Jehan IMC / Pakistan

NID Campaign

During latest NID campaign from May 6-8, 2008 IMC achieved 100% of its target as all the 31,322 children less than five years old were given polio vaccine in the seven IMC camps.

"In the beginning we were against the immunization, as we did not know how will it affect our children", added Malik Hashim, another community elder from the camp "but IMC involved the community and through the Community Health Workers informed us about Polio, its adverse affects on children and the benefits of vaccination. Due to the efforts of IMC now every parent in our camp is eager to get their children vaccinated".