Overview of the Official Visit
Rawalpindi recently hosted a high-level health delegation as the Director Health Services (EPI) Punjab, Dr. Sammara, arrived with her team to conduct a comprehensive review of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). The purpose of the visit was to assess the current status of immunization delivery, identify bottlenecks, and ensure that the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive is on track across districts under the Rawalpindi division. This move underlines the province’s commitment to strengthening preventive health services and protecting children from preventable diseases.
The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in focus
The EPI is a cornerstone of public health strategy, designed to provide routine vaccinations to infants and young children. Dr. Sammara and her team reviewed cold-chain logistics, vaccine stock management, and the accuracy of immunization records. Stakeholders discussed completion rates for birth-dose vaccines, coverage for primary immunization schedules, and strategies to reach underserved populations within Rawalpindi and its surrounding areas. The visit highlighted the importance of data-driven planning to reach every child and minimize gaps in immunity.
Measles-Rubella Campaign and MR Vaccine Rollout
A key focus of the inspection was the ongoing Measles-Rubella campaign. Officials assessed campaign planning, micro-planning at the union council level, and the community engagement efforts that raise awareness about MR vaccination. Given the age groups targeted by the MR vaccine, the team examined the logistics of outreach booths, cold-chain integrity for MR doses, and the training of frontline health workers who administer the vaccine and educate caregivers about its benefits and safety.
Strengthening Local Health Infrastructure
The delegation emphasized strengthening local health infrastructure to sustain vaccination programs. This includes ensuring reliable electricity for cold storage, maintaining an uninterrupted vaccine supply chain, and improving data systems for real-time monitoring. The visit also provided an opportunity for health officials to align provincial guidelines with district-level implementation, ensuring consistency in messaging and service delivery across Rawalpindi’s diverse communities.
Community Engagement and Public Confidence
Public trust is essential to the success of immunization campaigns. The team discussed strategies to engage caregivers, school authorities, religious and community leaders, and local media to promote MR vaccination acceptance. Outreach plans include door-to-door information campaigns, school-based vaccination days, and convenient weekend clinics to reach working parents. By reinforcing transparent communication about vaccine safety and efficacy, health authorities hope to minimize hesitancy and maximize uptake.
Outcomes and Next Steps
While specific operational details were kept confidential for security and protocol reasons, the overall tone of the visit was collaborative and forward-looking. The Director Health Services urged district health officials to implement recommended improvements with urgency while maintaining rigorous quality standards. Follow-up reviews are expected at regular intervals to track progress on MR coverage, EPI delivery, and data quality.
The Rawalpindi visit reaffirms Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to immunization as a critical element of child health, infectious disease prevention, and community well-being. By focusing on both the MR campaign and the broader EPI framework, health authorities aim to close immunity gaps and safeguard future generations from preventable illnesses.
Why This Matters for Public Health
Immunization programs like EPI and the MR vaccination drive have far-reaching impacts beyond individual protection. They contribute to herd immunity, reduce outbreak risk, and support healthier communities. The insights gained from on-site assessments help policymakers adapt strategies to local realities while adhering to national and international health standards.
About the Meeting
The visit featured discussions with frontline health workers, district coordinators, and community liaisons. The objective was not only to audit current operations but to empower local teams with better resources, clearer guidelines, and stronger support networks so that immunization services are accessible, reliable, and trusted by families across Rawalpindi.
