KARACHI: In a significant push to strengthen routine immunization efforts across Sindh, the Provincial Health Department, under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and supported by the National Health Support Program (NHSP), held a high-profile distribution ceremony in Karachi. The initiative saw the handover of mobile vaccination vans and motorbikes to District Health Officers (DHOs) from across the province.
Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho led the ceremony and distributed the keys of the new vehicles to field teams from Karachi and various other districts. Speaking on the occasion, she emphasized the importance of reaching underserved populations with lifesaving vaccines.
“These mobile units symbolize our commitment to delivering life-saving vaccines to every doorstep. Branded with EPI messages, they will serve both as service tools and awareness vehicles across communities,” she stated.
A total of 432 motorbikes, 5 Hiace vans, and 2 Changan Karvan vans, all branded with EPI awareness messages, were distributed to districts across Sindh. These will enhance the mobility and visibility of vaccinators conducting outreach sessions and support integrated service delivery (ISD) in hard-to-reach areas.
Hiace vans have been assigned to Jamshoro, Tharparkar, Sanghar, Larkana, and Shaheed Benazirabad, while Changan Karvan vans will serve Malir and Sujawal districts.
Present at the event were senior officials including:
- Mr. Rehan Iqbal Baloch, Secretary Health Sindh
- Dr. Raj Kumar, Provincial Program Director EPI Sindh
- Mr. Irshad Ali Sodhar, Coordinator Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Sindh
- Dr. Sohail Shaikh, Additional Director EPI
- Dr. Khalilullah Memon, WHO Representative
- Dr. Sahib Jan Badar, NSP Lead Sindh
- Representatives from UNICEF and other key development partners.
Mr. Rehan Iqbal Baloch underlined the strategic importance of mobility in public health interventions:
“Strengthening the mobility of our field teams is central to our strategy for increasing immunization equity and reducing vaccine-preventable diseases.”
Dr. Raj Kumar, while highlighting the operational benefits, added:
“This initiative reflects our unwavering resolve to reach every child, no matter how remote. By equipping vaccinators with the right tools and visibility, we are bridging access gaps and reinforcing public trust in routine immunization.”
This milestone reflects Sindh's sustained efforts to enhance immunization coverage, reduce child mortality, and collaborate closely with development partners for a healthier future.
