KARACHI: In a concerted effort to enhance immunization coverage across Sindh, HANDS and the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Sindh have entered into a strategic partnership to expand vaccination outreach in some of the province’s most underserved communities.
Sindh faces significant immunization challenges, particularly in areas where Lady Health Workers (LHWs) are not present. Recognizing this gap, HANDS has mobilized 120 Lady Health Workers, 5,000 community-based Marvi workers, and 34 social mobilizers to strengthen vaccine delivery and raise awareness about immunization.
This large-scale intervention aims to target key districts, including Karachi, Thatta, Sajawal, Umerkot, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Dadu, and Ghotki.
Dr. Muhammad Naeem, Project Director, EPI Sindh, emphasized the urgency of increasing immunization rates, particularly for Measles, the Big Catch-Up (BCU) campaign, and the upcoming HPV vaccine rollout. “Immunization is one of the most effective public health interventions, protecting children and communities from life-threatening diseases. Through this partnership, we are committed to ensuring that no child is left unvaccinated,” he stated.
To formalize this collaboration, HANDS and EPI Sindh have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), outlining their shared vision to improve immunization accessibility and coverage across Sindh.
The MOU signing ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including: Dr. Muhammad Naeem, Project Director, EPI Sindh, Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed, Chief Executive, HANDS, Suneel Raja, Communication Specialist, UNICEF, Maqbool Rahu, Deputy Chief Executive, HANDS, Qamar Shaikh, Chief of Health, HANDS and Zulfiqar Sario, Head of Health Department, HANDS
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed, Chief Executive of HANDS, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s immunization efforts. “This partnership with EPI Sindh marks a significant step in ensuring that immunization services reach those who need them the most. Our collective efforts will contribute to a healthier future for children across Sindh.”
The collaboration between HANDS and EPI Sindh represents a major public health initiative aimed at reducing vaccine-preventable diseases, improving routine immunization coverage, and mobilizing communities to actively
participate in immunization programs.
