Overview of the visit
In a bid to strengthen routine immunization and monitor recent immunization campaigns, Dr. Sammara, Director Health Services (EPI) Punjab, led an official delegation to Rawalpindi. The visit, which included senior EPI officials and technical staff, focused on a comprehensive review of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) and the ongoing Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination drive. The aim was to assess service delivery, identify bottlenecks, and reinforce commitments to protect children from preventable diseases across the district.
Key objectives and focus areas
The team outlined several core objectives for the inspection tour:
- Evaluate routine immunization coverage and identify gaps in EPI delivery at health facilities, outreach sites, and community vaccination posts.
- Review cold chain integrity, vaccine storage, and stock management to ensure vaccines are usable and effective.
- Monitor the ongoing MR campaign, including micro-planning, adverse event reporting, and social mobilization efforts.
- Engage with district health authorities to align on timelines, targets, and resource needs for upcoming immunization activities.
Findings from the field
During facility visits, the delegation inspected cold chain equipment and sterilization practices, noting improvements in maintenance schedules and data logging. Officials emphasized the importance of timely stock replenishment to prevent vaccine shortages that can derail immunization timelines. TheMR vaccination sites were observed to be well-organized, with clear gestation of reach for hard-to-reach populations, including urban slums and peri-urban communities.
Strengthening data and surveillance
Data accuracy and timely reporting were highlighted as critical components of an effective immunization program. Health workers demonstrated improvements in data entry at point-of-care and feedback loops to district authorities. The Director underscored the need for weekly data reviews to track coverage trends, vaccination dropout rates, and zero-dose children. Strengthened surveillance for adverse events following immunization (AEFI) remains a priority to maintain public trust in vaccines.
<h2Community engagement and outreach
Public awareness campaigns and community-based outreach are central to increasing vaccination uptake. The team reviewed communication materials used to inform communities about the MR campaign and other routine vaccines. Officials stressed culturally appropriate messaging and the involvement of local leaders to dispel myths and encourage parents to complete the immunization schedule for their children.
Recommendations and next steps
Based on field observations, the delegation issued several recommendations aimed at accelerating progress:
- Enhance micro-planning for MR and routine immunization to ensure geographic coverage aligns with population needs.
- Invest in cold chain capacity, including backup power solutions and proactive maintenance to minimize vaccine wastage.
- Improve data management with real-time dashboards and prompt feedback to frontline teams.
- Expand door-to-door outreach in underserved areas and strengthen school-based vaccination programs when appropriate.
Vision for the future
The visit reaffirmed Punjab’s commitment to eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases and achieving higher immunization coverage across Rawalpindi. By prioritizing strong logistics, robust surveillance, and community engagement, health authorities aim to sustain gains from the MR campaign and safeguard children against measles and rubella for generations to come.
