ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar has said that every child should be protected against 10 deadly preventable diseases through vaccination.

The statement released in connection with ‘World Immunisation Week’ which is observed from April 24 to April 30 every year.

The global theme for this year is ‘Protected Together, #Vaccines Work’, encouraging all the stakeholders – donors, health workers and the public –to improve immunisation coverage.

The minister urged parents to observe the week this year by ensuring that every child is vaccinated.

She vowed that the government is committed to saving lives of vulnerable children by ensuring smooth supply of vaccines across the country.

National Programme Manager for Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Dr Saqlain Ahmed Gilani reiterated that together as one team, we can strengthen immunity amongst children and build a healthy nation.

He said despite several challenges, vaccines were saving more lives. In Pakistan, coverage for three doses of DTP-3 increased from 3pc in 1980 to 62pc in 2000 to an estimated 72pc by the end of 2016.

National Coordinator Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for Polio Eradication Dr Rana Safdar said that to sustain the gains made in the polio programme, “we have to improve routine immunisation across the country”.

He said immunisation is one of the most successful and cost-effective health interventions to save lives of children.

Globally, immunisation has helped avert 2-3 million deaths among children from vaccine preventable diseases.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2018