Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Sindh, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho inaugurated the handing over of 5 Mobile Immunisation Vans.
The ceremony was held at the EPI department in Karachi. The ceremony was also attended by Secretary Health, Zulfiqar Shah and Project Director EPI, Dr. Irshad Memon. EPI Sindh has launched the Mobile Immunisation Van with the support of UNICEF.
The Mobile Immunisation Vans initiative has been initiated to provide immunisation and basic health services in Urban under-served and low coverage areas with a special focus on Zero dose, Defaulters and uncovered areas in West, Kemari & Malir of Karachi and Hyderabad district.
The Vans will be accompanied by a vaccinator, LHV and Social Mobilizer. Vaccinators will provide immunisation services while LHV will provide basic health services including ANC, TT etc.05 Mobile Immunisation Vans are being handed over to the Sindh Health Department courtesy of UNICEF and vans will be given to DHOs of the above listed regions. DHO offices will develop microplans based on need and under-served/poorly covered areas in urban localities.
UNICEF will be supporting the cost and top-up of Vaccinators, LHVs and Social Mobilizers. UNICEF will also fund salaries/POL of drivers for initial 06 months. Later on, the DHO office will bear and continue services.
At this occasion the Sindh Health Minister stated that the vans and facilities being provided by UNICEF to Karachi and Hyderabads DHOs must be used with integrity and good faith.
