A consultative meeting focusing on Measles, Diphtheria, and other Vaccine Preventable Diseases was held at the EPI Hall and was chaired by Dr. Muhammad Naeem, Project Director of EPI. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Sohail Raza Shaikh, Additional PD EPI, and attended by esteemed medical professionals including Dr. Khalilullah Memon Deputy Director EPI, Professor Dr. Iqbal Memon, Professor Dr. Khalid Shafi, Dr. Samreen Zaidi, Assistant Professor at Pediatric Sindh Infectious Diseases Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. Wajid Hussain, Assistant Professor at NICH, Dr. Muhammad Amjad from UNICEF, Dr. Ghulam Hussain Buledi from WHO, Dr. Mehboob Surveillance, Dr. Arsalan Memon, Dr. Tasleem Khaminsani, Suneel Raja SBC Specialist, Dr. Marriam Choudary, Dr. Nabeela, and other distinguished guests.
Dr. Naeem, PD EPI, expressed his appreciation for the participation of prominent pediatric professors from various hospitals and professional bodies, acknowledging their continuous support in promoting vaccines through the EPI program.
Dr. Sohail Shaikh, Additional PD, highlighted the challenges faced by the EPI and urged all key stakeholders to support efforts in combating measles. He specifically called upon the Pakistan Pediatric Association to allocate time in major events to present EPI data and emphasize the importance of vaccinations.
Dr. Iqbal Memon announced a series of pediatric seminars scheduled in Gambat, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana in the coming weeks, where vaccination messages, particularly focusing on Measles, will be promoted.
Dr. Khalid Shafi Chair NITAG Pakistan stressed the importance of engaging the medical community, especially pediatricians, in promoting vaccination and emphasized the need to strengthen the routine immunization and surveillance system.
The meeting also saw active participation from Dr. Wajid Hussain, Dr. Samreen, Dr. Amjad Ansari, and Dr. Khalilullah Memon in the general discussions.
A presentation on the Diphtheria situation in Sindh for the year 2023 was delivered by Dr. Ghulam Hussain Buledi, highlighting sustained transmission, suspected cases, and related deaths. Additionally, VPD surveillance data for measles and diphtheria for the year 2024 till week 5 was shared, outlining the current scenario and challenges.
The meeting concluded with a call for support from General Practitioners and Pediatric Doctors in sensitizing healthcare professionals, strengthening routine immunization activities, advocating for increased acceptance of routine immunization, and enhancing coordination efforts.
