Islamabad:“UNICEF’s provision of 4×4 vehicles will help overcome accessibility challenges in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring quality immunization services in remote regions of KP, Balochistan, GB, and AJK, stated Special Secretary Health, Mr. Mirza Nasir Ud Din Mashhood Ahmad. He further added that vaccination of children is one of the top priority agenda of Prime Minister of Pakistan .In a move to enhance immunization efforts across Pakistan, a formal ceremony for the handover of seven 4×4 vehicles took place at the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI).Mr. Mashood expressed gratitude to UNICEF and GAVI for their vital role in supporting the procurement of vehicles and enhancing immunization outreach. It is pertinent to highlight the importance of continued collaboration with international partners for achieving immunization goals. He encouraged donors and partners, GAVI and UNICEF, to maintain momentum and explore new strategies for further improving immunization coverage.During the opening remarks, Dr. Shabana Saleem, Director General of Health/FDI, emphasized the importance of ensuring vaccines reach every child, no matter how remote their location. She expressed her gratitude to UNICEF for their unwavering support, stating, “These vehicles will strengthen our outreach capacity and help ensure that every child has equitable access to life-saving vaccines.”Dr. Saleem stated that the Government of Pakistan firmly believes that where children remain unvaccinated, both their lives and the health of their communities are at risk. This is why the FDI is relentlessly working to vaccinate every child against the 12 targeted vaccine-preventable diseases, ensuring that no community, however remote or challenging, is left behindDr. Gunter Boussery, Chief of Health, OIC Deputy Representative, UNICEF echoed this sentiment, noting, “We are honored to contribute to this collective effort to serve Pakistan’s underserved communities”. With the support of GAVI, the government, and our partners, we are committed to building a healthier, fully immunized Pakistan” highlights UNICEF’s commitment to enhancing immunization services across Pakistan. These vehicles symbolize our collective efforts to bridge gaps and serve the most underserved communities.”UNICEF, with financial backing from GAVI and other donors, is extending critical technical assistance to the Federal Directorate of Immunization and provincial EPI programs. This partnership addresses workforce and programmatic gaps, ensuring the seamless execution of immunization initiatives.Seven newly procured Toyota Hilux single-cabin vehicles will bolster EPI outreach in underserved and remote union councils across Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu, and Kashmir. These mobile clinics will deliver essential immunization services, guaranteeing equitable access for all communities. This builds upon a prior transfer of 23 mobile units in November 2021 to Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Islamabad Capital Territory.Funded by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, these vehicles are pivotal in expanding integrated immunization services to Pakistan’s most vulnerable populations. They aim to enhance service delivery, close immunization gaps, and target zero-dose children in underserved regions. UNICEF’s support includes crafting outreach and micro-plans, supplying necessary materials, monitoring progress, and ensuring optimal use of these vehicles.Mr. Zafar Iqbal Channa, Director Technical, FDI gave vote of thanks and shared that this handing-over ceremony marks another milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s immunization infrastructure and achieve universal health coverage for all children. UNICEF, in partnership with the Federal Directorate of Immunization and other stakeholders, remains committed to making vaccines accessible to every child in Pakistan.The event was graced by Worthy Special Secretary Health, Mr. Mirza Nasir Ud Din Mashhood Ahmad, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, as the chief guest. Mr. Gunter Boussery, UNICEF Representative, Dr. Shabana, Director General FDI, Mr. Zafar Iqbal Channa, Director Technical FDI, Dr. Inam Bhatti, Deputy Director Operations, and Provincial Directors from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also participated.
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