World Immunization Week (WIW) 2021 was commemorated in Pakistan on Monday, 26 April by Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination and the Federal EPI under the theme of “Vaccines bring us closer”, during which the importance of vaccination was highlighted.
World Immunization Week in celebrated globally from 24 to 30 April with the purpose of promoting the use of vaccination which can protect the lives of millions of peoples across the globe from different diseases.
The event in Pakistan was attended by different stakeholders, including:
- Dr. Akram Shah, National Program Manager, Federal EPI
- Dr. Faisal Sultan, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health
- Dr. Rana Muhammad Safdar, Director General Health
- Dr. Shahzad Baig, Coordinator NEOC
- Dr. Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala, WHO Representative in Pakistan
- Aida Girma, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan
Dr. Faisal Sultan, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health, during his speech urged all parents to get their children vaccinated as he believed that the world immunization week is an event which reminds us all about our responsibility.
Opening remarks during the event was given by Dr. Akram Shah, who said that:
“This year’s theme Vaccine bring us closer urges greater engagement around immunization globally to promote the role of vaccines in bringing people together, and improving the health and wellbeing of everyone, everywhere”
Dr. Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala, WHO Representative in Pakistan, emphasized that vaccination will help Pakistani children to grow into healthy adults. Dr. Palitha further added that WHO is supporting Pakistani government in this process and through WHO-supported outreach vaccination they reached 40% of Pakistani children. And said that “WHO is supporting the government of Pakistan to reach every child everywhere across the country.”
Other participants also shared their views regarding vaccination and acknowledged the efforts of different departments and organization, including frontline workers who are working for a healthy and immune Pakistan.