TP Report
LAKKI MARWAT, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – February 1, 2026: Journalists and social media influencers must play a positive and responsible role in safeguarding children’s health, as misinformation remains the biggest obstacle to vaccination, said Dr. Ayaz Khan, Provincial Deputy Director of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He made these remarks while addressing a one-day special awareness workshop organized jointly by EPI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the non-governmental organization CHIP. The workshop aimed to promote immunization and highlight the vital role of media in protecting children.
Dr. Khan emphasized that the government invests billions annually in children’s health and vaccination programs to secure a healthy, disease-free future. “Unverified and negative content on social media creates doubts among parents, which can only be countered through responsible journalism,” he stated.
Journalists and social media representatives from Lakki Marwat, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan participated in the workshop. Iqbal Malik, Project Director CHIP, described the media as a “vital pillar of society” and stressed the importance of close collaboration between media and health institutions to ensure children’s safety.
Ghulam Akbar Marwat, President of the District Press Club Lakki Marwat, added that in the digital age, false information spreads within seconds, and trusted journalists and influencers have a responsibility to share accurate information and support government initiatives.
The workshop concluded with a reaffirmation that the media will play a frontline role in the eradication of polio and other deadly diseases, ensuring immunization reaches every child.
