PESHAWAR: Speakers at a seminar on Wednesday urged the people and civil society organisations to join hands for the provision of proper health facilities to mothers and children to protect them against diseases.

Sabaoon welfare organisation had organised the event at a local hotel, where representatives of different organisations and journalists were in attendance.

The participants shared their experiences and gave suggestions for the better health of mothers and children.

Deputy district health officer Dr Mohammad Asif, who was the keynote speaker on the occasion, said it was the duty of everyone, especially members of civil society organisations, to help others protect against diseases. He said a small step today could save future of the new generation.

Dr Asif said it was the duty of the government to ensure the people’s welfare and therefore, the district administration was making every effort to protect local residents, especially mothers and children, against diseases.

He said a healthy society was based on healthy mothers and healthy children but in the country, things were not very encouraging on that front.

The official said the population was fast growing, while the people’s problems were compounding chiefly due to unavailability of facilities.

He said under the prevailing circumstances, it was necessary to make joint steps to resolve the people’s problems on health front.

Dr Asif said prevention of diseases through immunisation was more important than treatment as people could prevent many fatal diseases if they’re vaccinated and were given necessary treatment without delay.

Also, Gavi project manager Iftikhar Hussain, field coordinator Tariq Iqbal, Maria Sultan, Shah Gul and Tahira highlighted various aspects of the health of mothers and children and shared their experiences on them during visit to different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially Mardan and Peshawar.

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2014