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Islamabad, June 21, 2013 (PPI-OT): Chairing a meeting of federal and provincial officials from Expanded Programme of Immunization, Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Ms. Saira Afzal Tarar expressed her concern over poor coverage and results of Routine Immunization in Pakistan and presented a road map to improve the system of immunization services in the country. The meeting was attended by the Secretary National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, Mr. Imtiaz Inayat Elahi, National Programme Manager EPI, Provincial EPI Managers and representatives of donor and development partners.
Addressing the audience, the Minister pointed out that despite being in operation for years routine immunizations have not been able to reach every child who needs them.
We have been advocating for strong routine immunization but were unable to achieve the desired immunization coverage for measles, mother and neo-natal tetanus elimination and polio eradication. She further said that the international health agencies have also expressed concerns that we have not been able to protect our children against vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs).
The Minister called upon the Provincial Health Departments to join hands with the Federal Government in infusing a new spirit into the Immunization Programme which she termed as one of the top priorities in the health sector. We have to protect the poorest of the poor from disease and disability by reaching out to them with Primary Health Care Services including vaccination against diseases.
We cannot falter on our responsibility to save our next generation from the scourge of diseases we could all prevent. Underlining the need for accountability and oversight, the Minister said no political pressure would be accepted and only merit and performance will be the guiding principles in delivery of quality health services in the country. The Minister emphasized that there will be zero tolerance for under-performance and lack of commitment.
After having comprehensive briefings from all federal, provincial officials and donor representatives, Minister of State presented the guidelines and action plan to strengthen routine immunization coverage. Terming ownership as the key to success, she emphasized on the renewed commitment and willingness to improve at all levels, strong national and provincial EPI human resource with requisite technical expertise and capacity is the next step to respond to multiple challenges.
She directed to increase accessibility to immunization services and raising demand through strong social mobilization. Highlighting the media’s role she stressed on the mass mobilization through print and electronic media. She also stressed on proper vaccine management and logistic support system. Given the importance of Strong Monitoring, evaluation and accountability system she urged to increase the involvement of area public representatives in EPI and Polio campaigns.
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