DefinePK

Abstract

Background:
Vaccination against contagious diseases is one of the most significant public health tackles that can be implemented quickly during the inter-epidemic period and which results in major decline of mortality and morbidity. Measles is commonly recognized as an infectious and dangerous disease.
Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of the measles vaccination campaign in improving coverage and reducing measles incidence among children aged 6–59 months in Hyderabad, Sindh. To identify socio-demographic and behavioral factors influencing vaccination uptake and non-compliance during the campaign. To examine the barriers and facilitators affecting caregivers’ decisions regarding measles immunization and retention of vaccination documentation.
Material & Method: The study employed a Descriptive cross-sectional design and was carried out between March and August 2025 at Qasimabad Hyderabad. Using Non Probability Convenience sampling, 353 Parents / Care givers of children 06-59 were Surveyed. The data were obtained through an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire focusing on socio-demographics, and immunization status. The data were coded and analyzed with SPSS 26, descriptive statistics, Chi-square test. 
Results: Findings of this study revealed that vaccination coverage increased modestly from 48.7% before the campaign to 51.3% afterwards, indicating a 2.6% improvement. Although the campaign contributed to increased uptake, the overall coverage remained far below the WHO-recommended 95% threshold required for herd immunity. The study also found high knowledge of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) among caregivers (83.9%), yet practical barriers prevented universal uptake. Socio-demographic factors such as parental education, relation with the child, and gender of the child were strongly associated with immunization rates, underscoring inequities in vaccination access and outcomes. Furthermore, poor vaccination card retention (only 15.3%) points to gaps in monitoring and documentation.
Conclusion: This study evaluates the effectiveness of the measles vaccination campaign in Hyderabad, Sindh, by the specific objectives of assessing its impact on coverage, identifying reasons for non-vaccination, and determining socio-demographic factors influencing uptake. The findings provide valuable insights into both the successes and shortcomings of the campaign, as well as the persistent challenges facing measles control in Pakistan.