Latest news with #ExpandedProgrammeonImmunization
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Minister pledges to achieve polio-free future of Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that polio eradication is the top priority of the government and federal health ministry along with provincial health departments are fully committed to achieving a polio-free future for children of the country. He made these remarks while virtually attending the joint session of the Gavi Board and the Polio Oversight Board (POB), where he represented the government of Pakistan and shared key updates on national progress in the fight against polio. He highlighted that the prime minister of Pakistan is personally overseeing the polio eradication efforts and chairs monthly stocktake meetings to review progress. Sharing the latest progress, the minister stated, 'Pakistan has witnessed over a 99 percent decline in polio cases a testament to our coordinated strategy, dedication of frontline workers, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders.' He emphasised the implementation of a joint strategy to reach zero-dose children, with mobile biker teams mobilized to access nomadic and hard-to-reach populations. Underscoring the importance of global partnerships, the minister added, 'Strengthening the integrated immunization system requires continued support from both Gavi and the Polio Oversight Board. We need additional investments to ensure the training and retention of vaccinators.' He noted that enhanced synergy between the polio and EPI (Expanded Programme on Immunization) initiatives is improving immunisation coverage, while coordinated microplanning and effective monitoring are delivering tangible results in the field. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Minister pledges to achieve polio-free future of country
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal has said that polio eradication is the top priority of the government and federal health ministry along with provincial health departments are fully committed to achieving a polio-free future for children of the country. He made these remarks while virtually attending the joint session of the Gavi Board and the Polio Oversight Board (POB), where he represented the government of Pakistan and shared key updates on national progress in the fight against polio. He highlighted that the prime minister of Pakistan is personally overseeing the polio eradication efforts and chairs monthly stocktake meetings to review progress. Sharing the latest progress, the minister stated, 'Pakistan has witnessed over a 99 percent decline in polio cases a testament to our coordinated strategy, dedication of frontline workers, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders.' He emphasised the implementation of a joint strategy to reach zero-dose children, with mobile biker teams mobilized to access nomadic and hard-to-reach populations. Underscoring the importance of global partnerships, the minister added, 'Strengthening the integrated immunization system requires continued support from both Gavi and the Polio Oversight Board. We need additional investments to ensure the training and retention of vaccinators.' He noted that enhanced synergy between the polio and EPI (Expanded Programme on Immunization) initiatives is improving immunisation coverage, while coordinated microplanning and effective monitoring are delivering tangible results in the field. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
12-06-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Kamal visits FDI Directorate
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Directorate of Immunisation (FDI) is administering vaccination for protection against 12 deadly preventable diseases through over 9,000 health centres nationwide. This was stated by the Director General (DG) FDI, Dr Soofia Yunus, during a briefing to the Federal Minister for Health, Mustafa Kamal, who visited the FDI Directorate, here on Wednesday to review its operations, performance, achievements and challenges faced by the Expanded Programme on Immunization. The minister was accompanied by Health Secretary Syed Waqarul Hassan, according to the official spokesperson of the Ministry of Health. Dr Yunus, briefed the minister on the functions of the directorate, highlighting the key role of the immunisation programme in preventing 12 deadly vaccine preventable diseases across the country. Recognising the importance of an effective vaccination programme, Minister Kamal instructed that vacant positions within the programme should be advertised immediately and filled with qualified and competent professionals through a transparent recruitment process. 'To ensure the success of the vaccination programme, the appointment of skilled professionals is crucial,' he emphasised. 'We must evaluate the challenges and formulate practical recommendations to strengthen the programme.' He also announced plans to engage with provincial health ministers to build a unified and robust approach to immunisation and directed the teams to share challenges that the minister will be discussing with health ministers for strengthening the Expanded Programme on Immunization. Kamal shared his vision of a transformative shift in the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) by advocating for a model where the responsibility, interest and ownership to seek out immunisation services lies with parents and caregivers, who are encouraged to visit government health facilities proactively. Under this new direction, the emphasis will be on empowering and mobilising communities to take initiative in accessing vaccines, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. Kamal maintained that this approach will enhance public awareness, strengthen demand, and increase accountability for routine immunisation. By encouraging families to engage actively with the health system, he aims to improve service quality, boost vaccination coverage, and instil long-term health-seeking behaviour, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and sustainable national immunization program. The minister also visited FDI's 1166 Sehat Tahaffuz Free Helpline and the Vaccine Logistics Management Information System (vLMIS) Control Room, where he received a detailed briefing on their operations. He issued directives for further improvement of the systems to enhance service delivery. In this regard, the minister stated that reviewing our existing strategy and learning from our mistakes is an opportunity for us. Hence, FDI Team is directed to redevelop a strategy in 15 days that shall lead us towards our ultimate immunisation goal. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
07-06-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Pakistan's vaccine independence: a national imperative
Pakistan stands at a critical crossroads in public health policy. With seven million births annually and a population growth rate of 2.55%, our nation faces an unprecedented challenge in vaccine security that demands immediate and decisive action. The looming withdrawal of GAVI support by 2031 presents not just a crisis, but an opportunity to transform Pakistan into a self-reliant pharmaceutical powerhouse. The stark reality we face The numbers paint a sobering picture of our current vulnerability. Pakistan's complete dependency on donated and discounted vaccine supplies, supported by GAVI, UNICEF, and WHO to the tune of PKR 26 billion annually, masks a deeper structural weakness. When GAVI's support ends in 2031, the financial burden will balloon to PKR 100 billion annually as nearly four times our current federal health budget of PKR 27 billion. This dependency is not merely financial; it represents a fundamental threat to national health security. This isn't just underdevelopment—it's a systematic surrender of national health autonomy. Today, Pakistan produces virtually no antigens for the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) vaccines domestically. We lack essential seed banks, have minimal university-based vaccine development programs, and operate with regulatory guidelines that are inadequate for sophisticated vaccine manufacturing. Our clinical trial expertise remains severely limited, creating bottlenecks in bringing locally developed vaccines to market. The contrast with global pharmaceutical leaders is stark. While universities worldwide have been the birthplace of revolutionary vaccines-from the Hepatitis B vaccine developed at UC San Francisco to the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine-Pakistan's academic institutions remain largely disconnected from commercial vaccine production. Learning from global success stories International experience offers valuable lessons. India transformed itself into the 'pharmacy of the world' through strategic government support for generic manufacturing and robust regulatory frameworks. Singapore built a biomedical hub through integrated research, manufacturing, and regulatory excellence that attracted billions in global pharmaceutical investment. South Korea's government-industry partnerships created world-class biopharmaceutical capabilities. These success stories share common elements: sustained government commitment, strategic investment in infrastructure, regulatory excellence, and comprehensive talent development programs. Most importantly, they demonstrate that with the right approach, developing nations can achieve pharmaceutical self-sufficiency and even become global exporters. The Triple Helix solution The path forward requires unprecedented coordination between government, academia, and industry -what experts call the 'Triple Helix' approach. Each sector must play a distinct yet interconnected role in building national vaccine capacity. Government leadership is essential in creating policy frameworks that incentivize domestic production while providing funding for university research. Strategic assignments to national research institutions like the National Institute of Health, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), International Centre for Chemical and Biological sciences (ICCBS), Karachi University, Department of Biotechnology, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), etc., can accelerate vaccine development and establish crucial seed banks. Most critically, the government must develop a comprehensive national health security strategy that positions vaccine self-sufficiency as a matter of national defense. The regulatory transformation cannot be understated. Pakistan's Drug Regulatory Authority must achieve WHO Level 3 qualification and create 'regulatory sandboxes — collaborative environments where university researchers, industry partners, and regulatory experts jointly develop guidelines for the 13 critical EPI vaccine antigens. Fast-track approval pathways and clear regulatory roadmaps will accelerate the journey from laboratory research to commercial production. Formation of sandboxes by bringing together leaders of the University, Regulatory and Industry. Universities must step up as innovation engines. Institutions with BSL-III laboratories should lead development of live attenuated vaccines, while biotechnology departments focus on recombinant vaccine technologies. Specialized vaccine research centers, industry-relevant curricula, and technology transfer offices will bridge the gap between academic discovery and commercial application. State-of-the-art pilot manufacturing facilities will provide proof-of-concept capabilities essential for scaling innovations. Industry brings manufacturing excellence and market expertise to the equation. Private sector partners can transform academic research into GMP-compliant commercial production, establish robust supply chains for raw materials, and navigate complex regulatory approvals. Their distribution networks and market access capabilities will ensure that domestically produced vaccines reach every corner of Pakistan. Leading companies in Pakistan already in the field of Biopharmaceutical manufacturing must be involved in the development process. A realistic implementation roadmap Success requires a phased approach spanning six years. The foundation phase (Years 1-2) must establish policy frameworks and coordination mechanisms while launching capacity-building programmes. Infrastructure development (Years 2-4) involves scaling laboratory manufacturing capabilities, establishing vaccine testing facilities, and launching pilot production programs. The scale-up phase (Years 4-6) transitions to commercial production of EPI vaccines, regulatory approvals, and distribution network establishment. Finally, the optimization phase (Year 6+) expands manufacturing capabilities, develops advanced biologics production, and positions Pakistan as a regional pharmaceutical hub. Financial innovation will be crucial. Blended financing models combining public funding, private investment, and support from institutions like the Islamic Development Bank can mobilise the substantial capital required for drug substance manufacturing facilities. The initial investment may be significant, but the long-term savings and export potential far outweigh the costs. The economic and strategic imperative The benefits extend far beyond health security. A robust domestic vaccine industry could create over 5,000 jobs and reduce import dependency by 50 percent. More importantly, it would establish Pakistan as a regional pharmaceutical hub with significant export potential to neighboring countries and the broader Islamic world. The Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the critical importance of pharmaceutical self-reliance. Nations with domestic production capabilities could respond rapidly to their populations' needs, while others waited months for external supplies. This lesson cannot be ignored as we face an uncertain global health landscape. The time for action is now Pakistan's demographic dividend — with 65 percent of the population under 30 — represents an unprecedented opportunity to build a knowledge-based pharmaceutical sector. However, this window will not remain open indefinitely. The GAVI deadline of 2031 provides a clear timeline for action, but preparation must begin immediately. The success of this transformation depends on political will, sustained investment, and most importantly, recognition that vaccine self-sufficiency is not a luxury but a national security imperative. Countries that fail to develop domestic pharmaceutical capabilities will remain perpetually vulnerable to supply disruptions, price volatility, and foreign policy pressures. A call to national action The establishment of National and Provincial Coordination Committees bringing together leaders from academia, industry, and regulatory agencies represents the essential first step. This must be followed by a comprehensive assessment of current capabilities, development of a detailed national vaccine strategy, and launch of pilot programmes for immediate impact. Pakistan has the intellectual capital, institutional foundation and market potential to achieve vaccine independence. What we need now is the collective will to transform this potential into reality. The health and prosperity of future generations depend on the decisions we make today. The choice is clear: remain dependent on the goodwill of international donors or invest in building a self-reliant pharmaceutical sector that serves not only Pakistan's needs but positions the nation as a leader in global health innovation. The Triple Helix approach offers a proven pathway to pharmaceutical independence-we must have the courage to take it. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
02-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
World Immunization Week 2025 concludes
ISLAMABAD: The World Immunization Week 2025 celebrated countrywide from April 24-30 has concluded on a note that vaccines are not just doses of protection; they are promises of a healthier, brighter future and annually save millions of lives globally. The World Immunization Week 2025 in Pakistan was organised by the Dopasi Foundation, in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI). Kinzul Eman, chief executive officer (CEO) of Dopasi Foundation on the conclusion of the event said, 'too many children remain unprotected due to gaps in access and awareness. That's what we're working to change.' Under the theme "Immunization for All is Humanly Possible," the campaign featured dynamic, community-driven activities. In Islamabad, Dopasi introduced Tikoo Buddy, a vaccination mascot, who engaged families at the Run and Ride Event in F-9 Park with educational materials and fun interactions aimed at dispelling myths and promoting routine immunisation. In Balochistan, efforts intensified with a Rickshaw Awareness Drive, city-wide branding, and a series of advocacy events involving community leaders and health workers. These activities brought immunisation messages directly to the public in culturally familiar formats and emphasised the importance of vaccinating children under five. 'Vaccines are not just doses of protection; they are promises of a healthier, brighter future,' said Kinzul Eman, CEO of Dopasi Foundation. 'Too many children remain unprotected due to gaps in access and awareness. That's what we're working to change.' Thanks to strong public-private partnerships, including Gavi and UNICEF, vaccines that protect against measles, polio, HPV, tetanus, influenza, malaria, and RSV are being provided free of cost to the Government of Pakistan — despite being expensive to procure. These efforts are delivered through the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and supported by local partners like Dopasi Foundation. While progress is evident, challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and healthcare inequities remain. In 2023, over 22 million children worldwide missed their first measles shot, underscoring the urgency of continued outreach. According to senior officials of the Federal Directorate of Immunization, since the launch of Pakistan's Expanded Programme on Immunization in 1978 in partnership with WHO, millions have been protected from deadly diseases. Globally, vaccines have saved 154 million lives over the past 50 years, an average of 3 million lives annually. Despite progress, challenges remain as In 2024, Pakistan aimed to vaccinate 7.3 million infants, but 1.2 million did not receive a single dose of the measles vaccine due to incomplete schedules, raising the risk of outbreaks. Regional disparities in vaccination coverage persist, with nearly half of children in Balochistan either under or partially immunized. Pakistan also remains one of only two countries where polio is still endemic. Vaccination is not just a health intervention, it is an investment in a healthier and more prosperous future. The EPI is committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of location, has access to life-saving vaccines. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
