ISLAMABAD : Staff Reporter – Today, with financial support from GAVI, the World Health Organization WHO handed over to Pakistan 5 vehicles to enhance immunization in remote areas & reach children who have never been vaccinated (“zero-dose”) across 20 priority districts.
The Handing Over Ceremony of 4×4 Vehicles for Health System Strengthening was held at the World Health Organization WHO Country Office, Islamabad where the World Health Organization officially handed over vehicles to the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI) and Provincial/Area Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).
The event was graced by Honourable Federal Health Minister, Syed Mustafa Kamal along with Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO Country Representative in Pakistan with their presence. Mr. Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh, Federal Health Secretary, Muhammad Aslam Ghauri, Special Secretary, Dr. Musa Khan, DG, FDI and senior level representations from provincial/area EPIs were also present at the occasion reflecting strong government and partner commitment to public health.
Federal Health Minister in his remarks stated that “these vehicles will significantly strengthen field supervision and service delivery, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The Minister thanked WHO and GAVI for their continued support, emphasizing that improved mobility will help frontline teams reach the last mile and improve immunization coverage nationwide.
He appreciated the leadership of FDI and reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to reaching every child with life-saving vaccines against 13 vaccine preventable diseases”.
The Minister stressed the urgent need to protect Pakistanis from becoming patients in the first place. “We must move away from a sick-care system and build a true healthcare system in our streets, neighborhoods, provinces and across the country”.
Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO WR stated that “today is about more than handing over keys; today’s handover is a testament to decades long partnership between WHO and Pakistan in delivering health for all.”
He said, the vehicles that WHO is handing over represent our joint commitment to reinforce the Pakistan’s Expanded Programme on Immunization, which has protected millions of children every year since its creation in 1978 in partnership with WHO. We will continue to partner with Pakistan and its people to build a healthier future for all.
Dr. Musa Khan, DG FDI expressed a gesture of gratitude to the Honorable Federal Health Minister, Syed Mustafa Kamal for his visionary leadership, constant guidance and continued leadership for the EPI programme. He also thanked Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO WR and GAVI for technical and strategic support.”
This initiative marks another important step in the strong partnership between the Government of Pakistan and #WHO to build a resilient health system and protect children from the 13 vaccine preventable diseases.
