The Punjab government has made preparations to commemorate the World Immunisation Week in a befitting manner and spread awareness about it across the province, Adviser to Chief Minister on Health Khawaja Salman Rafique said on Friday.
The World Immunization Week is being celebrated around the world from April 24 to 30. Punjab’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation is leading awareness activities at the provincial and district level in a bid to spread the message of immunisation.
In a message on the occasion, Rafique said, “With more professionalism and smart use of technology we have been able to boost routine immunisation to around 84 per cent from mid 50s within just one year. Our target is to reach 90 per cent by end of this year. The occasion provides us an opportunity to renew our pledge towards vaccine preventable diseases.”
Primary and Secondary Healthcare Secretary Ali Jan Khan said, “We are especially focusing the districts low on Human Development Index. Reaching out to children of vulnerable populations, not yet vaccinated is our top priority.”
Punjab Health Services Director General Dr Mukhtar Hussain Syed said getting thumbs up in pre-validation for mother and neo natal tetanus elimination status was a milestone for Punjab.
He further said, “We have ensured the National Emergency Action Plan on polio eradication is implemented in letter and spirit. There has been no polio case in Punjab in 2016 and we hope the status remains unchanged.”
EPI Director Dr Munir Ahmed, who has been pivotal in this major turnaround, said he was keen to capitalise on this renewed emphasis on immunisation. He said there was no local transmission of polio virus in Punjab.