Islamabad, August 28, 2018 (PPI-OT): “Ensuring that all children are vaccinated and protected from life-threatening diseases is a top priority of the Pakistan Government,” Aamir Mehmood Kiani; Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, said presiding a briefing on Expanded Programme on Immunization. On this occasion, the Federal Minister called for close collaboration with the Provinces and agreed to the proposal for calling an inter-ministerial meeting for measles to ensure all provinces are sensitized to achieve the desired coverage. Need for increasing demand for immunization was also highlighted by the Minister.
The Minister shared the vision of new Government in prioritizing health and education and directed the team to explore avenues for in country manufacturing of vaccine to reduce dependency of donors in future. On this occasion, the Capt. (Retd.) Zahid Saeed, Federal secretary Health highlighted the need to further strengthen data from across the country to improve its validity at international forum. Speaking on the occasion Dr. Asad Hafeez, DG health appreciated the efforts of synergizing Polio resources for strengthening of routine immunization and stressed their role in the context of measles campaign.
The Minister was briefed on the working of EPI by the National Programme Manager, Dr. Saqlain Gilani who elaborated upon the scope of vaccinating 0-23 months old children across Pakistan to ensure equitable coverage. He highlighted the progress made in the past three years regarding upgrading cold chain, establishing temperature monitoring for vaccines, refurbishment of National Vaccine Warehouse and introduction of new vaccines like Rota virus vaccine to prevent children suffering from diarrhoea.
It was also informed that approval of National application for introduction of typhoid vaccine in routine immunization schedule was in process to preventing children against drug resistant Typhoid fever. Later on, the Federal Minister planted a tree in the premises of EPI building.
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