Punjab sets sight on achieving the elusive 100% immunization coverage as provincial high ups, district managers and technical experts from across the province gathered for Comprehensive EPI Review at Margalla Hotel here on Tuesday.
The EPI Comprehensive Review is conducted with technical and financial support of the WHO. Director EPI Dr. Aihtesham ul Haq, Additional Director of EPI, Head of Office, WHO Sub-Office Punjab Dr. Jamshaid Ahmed, NPO WHO Dr. Imran Qureshi, Immunization Officer UNICEF Dr. Qurat ul Ain and district officials were present. DHO-PS, DSCs, DSVs and EPI Focal Persons from districts attended the review.
The review of 25 districts of North and Central Punjab was conducted in two batches. The review for first batch comprising Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahab, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Chiniot, Sargodha, Khushab, Bhakkar, Mianwali and Rawalpindi was conducted on 19th December 2022 and review for Sahiwal, Okara, Pakpattan, Chakwal, Jhelum, Attock, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin and Gujrat was conducted on 20th December, 2022. The review of remaining 11 districts of South Punjab is scheduled on 22nd December, 2022.
Director EPI Dr. Aihtisham ul Haq said the Comprehensive EPI Review provides an opportunity for introspection and soul searching as Punjab continues to learn lessons and improve weaknesses.
He said, “Nankana Sahib, Vehari and Mandi Bahauddun remain good performers based on ranking criteria that takes into account surveillance, data quality, supportive supervision, and minutes of meetings, vaccination coverage, drop outs, EMR, reporting compliance, EPI-PEI Synergy and LMIS. Punjab with nearly 90% immunization coverage as per TPVICS survey 2022 is leading country’s immunization efforts. We must make best possible efforts to achieve 100% coverage. We are grateful to the WHO for their support.” WHO Head of Sub-Office Dr. Jamshaid Ahmed said in his address that performance reviews are integral to achieving program goals. He said, “Our team shall continue to support EPI Punjab in technical areas wherever the government needs.”
