GAVI to support EPI program, health system strengthening
By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD—A high level meeting of the National Inter-agency Coordination Committee (NICC) that met here today under chairmanship of Secretary Health Mr. Khushnood Akhtar Lashari reviewed the progress on routine immunization and preparedness for launching Pentavalent vaccine (Hib vaccine) from July this year.
Pentavalent vaccine will be introduced in Pakistan from July at a cost of US$173.838 million, of which US$159.265 million shall be provided by Global Alliance for Vaccination & Immunization (GAVI) and Government of Pakistan will co-finance US$14.572 million. The Expanded Program on Immunization, after the inclusion of Hib vaccine would be providing protection to every new born child in Pakistan against eight deadly and debilitating diseases free of cost through over 10,000 Rural Health Centers and Basic Health Units besides mobile teams and Government hospitals.
Mr. Lashari on the occasion thanked the donors, particularly GAVI for providing US$35.596 million over a period 2003-2007 under Immunization Strengthening Support to Pakistan. He announced the establishment of a Heath System Strengthening Cell in the Ministry of Health that will help improving the health sector management capacity at federal, provincial and district level. The Cell shall also work to streamline health planning, coordination and reform.
The meeting was informed that immunization coverage of DPT-3 vaccine in 2007 stood at 83%, the highest ever coverage achieved by the country. Appreciating the performance of all stakeholders for achieving this huge coverage, Mr. Lashari said enhancement in the immunization coverage will significantly impact infant and child mortality in Pakistan and shall bring down the number of children who fall prey to preventable diseases in the country. He however stressed that we should not be complacent with the present achievement. Our efforts should be geared up towards achieving 100% coverage, he added.
GAVI has recently approved a grant of US$ 76 million for the period 2008-12 to work towards strengthening the overall health system in Pakistan. The GAVI partnership is a unique, multi-dimensional partnership of public and private sector resources with a single, shared focus: to improve child health by extending the reach and quality of immunization coverage by strengthening health services. In the initial phase, GAVI will provide US$23.093 million for two years that shall be extended further based on the performance.