Officials instructed to register migrants, nomads. PHOTO: REUTERS
The D-G emphasised the importance of improving routine immunisation campaigns and quality of surveillance. He reviewed surveillance progress on nine vaccination programmes. Surveillance reporting inconsistencies and ways to remedy them were also analysed and officials posted at districts devoid of the desired pace of improvement were directed to improve performance.
Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Director Munir Ahmed directed the officers to quickly recruit vaccinators against vacant positions. He said 2,400 openings would be created across the province over the next five years. Ahmed said the online dashboard developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) must be fully utilised and DOs must personally ensure submission of surveillance data following requisite analysis.
The EPI director presented data analysis of dropout rates across all districts and the discrepancy between the First Dose (BCG) and the Measles 1 immunisation drives. The DOs were directed to hold vaccinators accountable in districts where drop out rates were beyond acceptable limits.
Ahmed also sought progress report on the requirement of android phone across all districts. The smart phones have been equipped with a tailor-made application to inspect vaccinators’ progress.
He directed the DOs to ensure mapping and registration of migrants and nomads in addition to improving surveillance standards. Ahmed said the Neilson Survey was already underway and results would be shared once it had been completed.
Mazhar Qureshi of the World Health Organisation delivered a technical presentation on case-based measles surveillance. He also presented analysis of data reporting patterns across all districts.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 24th, 2015.
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