Expanded Program on Immunization Punjab

Displaced and adrift in urban Lahore, these families were resolute in their distrust How two CSOs and an Islamic scholar helped 24 wary families find faith in immunisation.

Director Health Services (EPI) Dr. Naveed Akhtar visited health facilities in Gujranwala to monitor quality of EPI services. He reviewed documentation and discussed issues and challenges faced by the staff.

Director Health Services (EPI) Dr. Naveed Akhtar visited DHQ Vehari to monitor quality of EPI services. He reviewed documentation and discussed issues and challenges faced by the staff.

Punjab Kicks Off World Immunization Week 2026 with High-Level Advocacy Seminar with Prov EPI & Jang Forum Dialogue

An expert panel discussion in connection with World Immunization Week 2026 was organized by Jang Forum in collaboration with EPI Punjab and UNICEF in Lahore on April 24, 2026.
The forum marked the provincial launch of World Immunization Week activities and brought together a distinguished gathering of medical academicians, practitioners, public health experts, and representatives of leading development partners including UNICEF, WHO and Gates Foundation.

The forum was presided by Prof. Dr. Tariq Iqbal Bhutta, former Chairman NITAG. The discussion was led by the guests of honours including Prof. Dr. Mehmood Ayaz, Vice Chancellor King Edward Medical University Lahore and Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal, Vice Chancellor Fatima Jinnah Medical University Lahore and Mr. Ramiz Behbudov, Chief Field Office UNICEF Punjab.
The seminar was hosted by Dr. Naveed Akhtar Malik, Director EPi Punjab moderated by Mr. Wasif Nagi, Senior Editor Jang Group of Newspapers.

The other leading speakers included Prof. Dr. Saira Afzal, Dean IPH Lahore, Dr. Qurat Ul Ain Ahmed, Health Team Lead UNICEF Punjab, Dr. Jamshaid Ahmed, Head of Sub-Office WHO Punjab, Dr. Irtaza Ahmed, Technical Focal Person Gates Foundation, Dr. Noureen Zafar, International Ambassador HPV Society, Dr. Tariq Mehmood Mian, President Pakistan Academy of Family Physicians, Dr. Ashraf Nizami, President PAPA Lahore, Dr. Arshia Khan, Head of Mass Communication Department, senior Journalist Mr. Raees Ansari, Bureau Chief Geo News Lahore.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Mehmood Ayaz and Prof. Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal highlighted the critical importance of disease prevention and emphasized that vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in saving millions of lives globally. MR. Ramiz Behbudov appreciated the efforts of EPI Punjab and its partners, noting that the province has achieved an immunization coverage rate of 88.6 % which is better than other provinces but there are some districts below provincial average and we need to get to 100% vaccination.He pointed out that even in challenging humanitarian contexts in Gaza, immunization coverage has reached 98 percent, urging stakeholders to further strengthen efforts in Punjab.

In his remarks, Dr. Naveed Akhtar Malik expressed gratitude to all distinguished participants and reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding immunization coverage and ensuring equitable access to life-saving vaccines.

Other speakers underscored the need for proactive engagement by healthcare professionals, media, and communities to shape positive public perceptions and counter misinformation regarding vaccination.

The session was facilitated by Dr. Mudassir Saeed, Additional Director EPI Punjab, Dr. Khurram Mubeen Khan, Immunization Officer UNICEF and Mr. Aqeel Sarfraz, SBC Consultant UNICEF.

The forum witnessed enthusiastic participation from university students, civil society representatives, and individuals from diverse walks of life, reflecting a strong collective resolve to promote immunization, advocate timely vaccination and protect communities against preventable diseases across Punjab.

Director Health Services EPI Dr. Naveed Akhtar visits polio teams, EPI fixed sites and transit sites at Kamonki to ensure quality campaign. The polio campaign is underway in Punjab from 13 to 18 April.

Director Health Services EPI Punjab Dr. Naveed Akhtar chaired review meeting of partner Civil Society Organizations working in Punjab. FDI team including Ms. Huma Khawar and Dr. Tabinda joined with CSO team leads from Agahe, REEDS, Rahnuma and Sphere Consulting attending the meeting.
Dr. Naveed asked CSOs to work on missed children and keep log of defaulter children.
Health & Population Department
The Expanded Programme on Immunization - Pakistan
World Health Organization- Pakistan
Emergency Operation Center - EOC Punjab
UNICEF Pakistan
Government of Pakistan
Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Department

The EPI Punjab Steering Committee Meeting was held in Lahore on March 26, 2026, organized by EPI Punjab in collaboration with UNICEF. The meeting was chaired by Director EPI Punjab Dr. Naveed Akhtar Malik, with the presence of Prof. Dr. Tariq Iqbal Bhutta and Prof. Dr. Shakila Zaman. A wide range of experts participated, including Prof. Dr. Saira Afzal; Prof. Dr. Ashraf Nizami, President PAPA; Dr. Tariq Mian, President PAFP; Dr. Khurram Mubeen Khan, Immunization Officer UNICEF; Dr. Mehroz Saleem, Technical Officer WHO; Dr. Mehwish Saleem, Additional Director EPI Punjab; Dr. Atif Javed, M& E Officer WHO; Mr. Aqeel Sarfraz, SBC Consultant UNICEF; Mr. Obaidullah Qazi, Provincial Coordinator Jhpiego and Mr. Syed Husnain, Technical Manager CDC program among others.

The key agenda items included the current situation of measles in Punjab, introduction of HPV vaccine into routine immunization, and rationalization of the EPI Steering Committee. The chair invited participants to share insights, fostering an interactive discussion. Prof. Dr. Tariq Bhutta emphasized the inclusion of stakeholders such as SOGP and gynecologists in the committee for effective HPV vaccine implementation. Dr. Mehroz Saleem presented an overview of the measles situation, highlighting surveillance challenges. Participants proposed actionable solutions, particularly to strengthen VPD surveillance systems. The meeting concluded with an invitation by Prof. Dr. Ashraf Nizami to attend the upcoming EGA Health Conference by PMA in Lahore.