In a statement issued on the commencement of the World Immunization Week, Minister of State for Health Dr. Zafar Mirza has expressed strong commitment to strengthening Immunization program considering it a backbone of public healthcare. World Immunization Week is a reminder that each and every one of us has to contribute in ensuring that every child is protected through vaccination, said the Minister. We must improve the current system, to reach every unreached child and prevent our children from morbidity and mortality associated with vaccine preventable diseases. “The Government has committed to invest in human development, improve living conditions of people and most importantly protect our children from diseases”, Dr. Zafar Mirza added. Ministry of National Health Services is working on a National Action Plan to improve Primary Healthcare with special emphasis on Immunization. Government is all set to open more EPI centres strategically to ensure provision of a network of immunization services so that no one is left behind, said the Minister. Translating the vision of the Prime Minister Imran Khan, by improving primary health structure and investing in children’s health is our priority agenda, he added. Every year the Government of Pakistan is providing free of cost vaccines to approximately 7 million children against 10 vaccine preventable diseases. Improving immunization coverage would help contribute towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.2, on reducing child morbidity and mortality. Therefore it is high time to work on demand creation to avail the services and contribute towards building a healthy Pakistan, through engagement of stakeholders like public representatives, media, civil society, and academia, the Minister said in his statement.
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