AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: Today as we mark the World Pneumonia Day, it is time not just to think but to act in order to save the precious lives that are being devastated by this deadly disease. The statistics are quite alarming as research shows that pneumonia is one of the leading killers of children less than 5 years of age in Pakistan.
The Government of Pakistan is committed to the cause of eradication of pneumonia and is taking all necessary actions needed to protect its population and especially its children from deadly and debilitating diseases including pneumonia.
Though pneumonia is a deadly disease, it can be prevented through an effective and highly efficient vaccination program alongside awareness and education of the parents especially mothers.
I am pleased to note that the Expanded Program on Immunization is in the process to introduce the Pneumococcal vaccine that will help prevent 65% cases of pneumonia cases in Pakistan. For this purpose, the Government has successfully secured a support worth 680 Million Dollars from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization and the vaccine is set to be available as part of free immunization service for children all over the country by March 2012.
I would like to commend the team with whose efforts this new life saving intervention has been made possible. The government accords topmost priority to programs and interventions that are aimed at saving lives and protecting the health and well being of our people.
On the occasion of World Pneumonia Day, we stand with our partners in the global community and pledge that our Government will do everything possible to defeat this scourge and provide a healthier, happier and brighter future to our people.
For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +9251 925 2323 and +9251 925 2324
Fax: +9251 925 2325 and +9251 925 2326
Email: piopid@gmail.com