Health initiatives : NIH takes initiative for measles vaccine production

Increase in reported incidences of measles outbreak make prevention steps critical

ISLAMABAD: Landmark initiatives have been taken by National Institute of Health (NIH). The process of production of measles vaccine for children has been made functional; Rs751 million have been approved for production of Sera which is a major step forward and would meet the critical demand for vaccines and serums, said NIH Executive Director Prof Dr Aamer Ikram. He further added that the completely revamped and transformed NIH will emerge as a top public health organisation in the region.

Dr Ikram further stated that one of the major targets of the establishment was reviving the production of the measles vaccine. This was critical at the moment due to the increase in reported incidences of the disease and measles epidemics in different parts of the country. With intensive collective effort the institute was able to achieve this objective.

Dr Ikram made this statement while addressing senior officers of the institute on Thursday. He appreciated the commitment of scientists at NIH and said the institute won the highest appreciation of the highest leadership of the country during the visit of the Prime Minister. Furthermore, he stated that NIH is a national asset and has enormous potential. It is continuously contributing towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

Another major issue faced by NIH was the upgrading of laboratory facilities, a task that had been successfully undertaken. However, now the institution has BSL-3 laboratory that conforms to global standards.

Today, the institute is undertaking the successful implementation of five years road map of International Health Regulations and Global Health Security Agenda along with the implementation of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System in the country.

Moreover a modern financial system has been introduced and all debts amounting to a total of Rs80 million have been cleared. A world class warehouse is being established. All initiatives have been accomplished without spending any amount from government funds. The transparency and good governance at the institute has facilitated collaboration with internationally reputed health organisations that are supporting the reform process.

It is for the first time that master plan of NIH has been prepared. The institute has been designated as National Public Health Institute which broadens its mandate to prevent and control diseases.

For the first time, a public health act has been drafted along with a national laboratory policy, national bio-safety policy.

We will leave no stone unturned to take this institute further as the leading public health institution of the region, resolved Dr Ikram.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 18^th, 2018.