EPI receives 23 vaccination vans to expand essential immunisation coverage

ISLAMABAD – Expanded Programme of Immunisation on Thursday received 23 vaccination vans from UNICEF procured with funds from Gavi to be used to improve essential immunisation coverage in high risk districts including mega cities.

A statement issued here said that today, 23 vans to be used for expanding essential immunisation coverage in high risk districts including five mega cities and the Islamabad Capital Territory, were handed over by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to the Federal Expanded Programme for Immunisation (EPI).

The Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr. Faisal Sultan received the vans from UNICEF Representative in Pakistan Ms. Aida Girma in presence of the World Health Organisation Representative Dr. Palitha Mahipala.

SAPM on NHS Dr. Faisal Sultan said that with funding of around 537,000 US dollars from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, a total of 30 vehicles, 23 Suzuki vans and seven Hilux vans, were to be handed over by UNICEF to EPI for expanding immunisation services in high risk districts, under-served areas and densely populated urban areas with low capacities.

While 23 Suzuki vans were handed over today, remaining seven vehicles are in the process of procurement.

“UNICEF has been supporting EPI in terms of procurement of vaccines, cold chain management and raising awareness about importance of immunisation so that communities could benefit from the high quality of services being provided at health facilities and at their door step during campaigns,” said Aida Girma, UNICEF Representative. “The vaccination vans handed over today to EPI will help expand these services.”

“We are encouraged by the dynamic leadership of the Ministry of National Health Services and EPI and are grateful to our donors such as Gavi for their financial support as we push forward to achieve the shared objective of keeping every child in Pakistan, alive, healthy and thriving. ”

Easily identifiable through EPI branding, each of these vans would carry a team of health professionals provided by the respective district health department, including a vaccinator, lady health visitor, community midwife and a social mobiliser along with a standard kit of medicines and equipment.

Each team will be able to provide health and hygiene services including vaccination, vitamin A supplementation, deworming, antenatal care, screening of nutritional status, provision of micronutrient supplements and behavioural change communication messages.

Article source: https://nation.com.pk/12-Nov-2021/epi-receives-23-vaccination-vans-to-expand-essential-immunisation-coverage