KARACHI: Minister for Health, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, chaired a quarterly review meeting on the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) with District Health Officers from Karachi.
The meeting, co-chaired by Dr. Muhammad Naeem, PD EPI, was attended by key partners including WHO, UNICEF, BMGF, GAVI, TKF, IRD, and others.
The sessions were moderated by Dr. Arslan Memon, ensuring a seamless and productive discussion. Key attendees included Dr. Khalilullah Memon, Deputy Project Director EPI; Dr. Mukhtiar Bhayo and Dr. Waqar Soomro from WHO; and Dr. Ghulam Hussain Buledi, Surveillance Officer. Additionally, the meeting was attended by Dr. Mehmood, Dr. Ramesh, Dr. Zain Bhayo, Dr. Adnan Khan, Fahad Fehmi, Aijaz Jamali, Muzafar Bhurt, Tanveer Ahmed, and Suneel Raja, along with representatives from District Health Offices (DHOs), EPI Focal Persons (FPs), Divisional Surveillance Coordinators (DSC), and partner organizations.
Discussions focused on improving coverage for all antigens, particularly Measles and Tetanus-Diphtheria.
Minister for Health, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, stated:
"We cannot allow preventable child deaths due to lack of immunization. Every child must be vaccinated, and private hospitals must actively participate in immunization efforts while ensuring their data is shared with the District Health Offices."
Program Director EPI, Dr. Muhammad Naeem, emphasized:
"Strengthening our immunization system requires collective action. By increasing community midwives and health workers, we can bridge coverage gaps and ensure vaccines reach every child, especially in high-risk areas."
