Mother and child safety a top priority, says PM Nawaz

Immunisation leaders shed light on challenges facing immunisation services; call for increased political support

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minster Nawaz Sharif said on Friday that mother and child safety through proper immunisation and better nutrition are a major priority for the government.

He was talking to a high-level mission of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) led by GAVI CEO Dr Seth Berkley at the PM House. Other members of the delegation included WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Ala Alwan and Bill Gates Foundation Global Development Program President Dr Christopher Elias.

Excellent mtg with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif & senior leadership of @gavi high level mission; honest discussion of immunisation challenges

— Seth Berkley (@DrSethBerkley) February 20, 2015

The prime minister said that routine immunisation is important and that  provincial governments have been directed to take effective measures for speeding up the process so that the areas lagging behind in immunisation can catch up.

The delegation appreciated the personal interest the prime minister took, and the Health Ministry’s role in the implementation of the polio eradication programme and routine immunisation. They also appreciated the Punjab government for setting a target of 80% coverage in routine immunisation in the province by the end of the year.

Just finished a press conference with @WHO & @UNICEF leadership in #Islamabad on improving Pakistan EPI performance pic.twitter.com/SFqXyyXmFv

— Seth Berkley (@DrSethBerkley) February 19, 2015

Federal Minister for Health Saira Afzal Tarar informed the premier that the confusion regarding procurement of vaccines in the aftermath of the 18th Amendment has recently been cleared and now the federal government will procure vaccines through a National Procurement Committee composed of representatives from all provinces. She said this would not only streamline the system but also save Rs1 billion annually.

Grt for @gavi high level mission 2meet w Pakistan Minister of National Hlth regul. services & coord Saira Azal Tarar pic.twitter.com/avNuYcC6ak

— Seth Berkley (@DrSethBerkley) February 19, 2015

Talking about the polio eradication initiative, she said a concrete and robust plan has been put in place and its proper implementation would bring about drastic reduction in polio cases.

The WHO representative informed the meeting that 25% reduction can be brought about in child mortality in Pakistan through immunisation and 30% cases of child mortality can be prevented through better nutrition.

#DYK? ~3 million kids in #Pakistan miss out on a full course of basic vaccines every year. Together we can change that! #vaccineswork

— Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (@gavi) February 19, 2015

The prime minister said these two are closely linked to each other and concerned provincial government departments should work in coordination with the Ministry of Health to overcome the challenges. He said international best practices should be replicated in Pakistan to achieve better results.

The delegation appreciated the ministry of health for taking the bold step of increasing tobacco health warnings.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal also attended the meeting.