As part of the District Health Office’s (DHO) efforts, the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) is actively implemented to ensure that children and mothers receive vital immunization services. The program focuses on protecting the community from preventable diseases such as polio, measles, tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, hepatitis B, and pneumonia. Through our EPI initiative, we conduct routine immunization drives across health centers, schools, and remote areas to increase vaccine coverage and protect vulnerable populations. We also engage in awareness campaigns to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of timely vaccinations for their children’s health and safety. The District health office (DHO), in collaboration with the expanded program on Immunization (EPI) team, plays a key role in organizing     and    implementing    vaccination

                                                                                                                                                               ^{Sub-National Immunization Days (SNID) Campaign Inauguration chaired by the Deputy} 

Commissioner (DC) (9 – 15 September 2024)

A key component of this work is data management, which guarantees that vaccines are stored at the correct temperatures to preserve their efficacy. Alongside these efforts, the DHO monitors immunization coverage across the district, identifying areas with low vaccination rates and taking corrective action. Effective data management is also essential, as the office records the number of children and mothers vaccinated and reports these figures to higher health authorities for oversight and planning. To support these activities, the DHO and EPI team engage in awareness campaigns, educating the public about the importance of immunization. Together, these efforts work toward reducing the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases and protecting public health in the district.

cold chain EPI

remarkable 104% coverage, vaccinating children from 9 months to less than 15 years against a target of 340,109. To ensure an efficient and progressive routine immunization system, regular monthly review meetings were held with participation from both districts of Islamabad, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.

Summary Achievement 2021

The District Health Office Islamabad successfully conducted AEFI and VPD surveillance training, with the participation of 25 medical doctors and PEI staff, marking the first initiative to establish a robust VPD surveillance system with proper sampling in the region. Additionally, Mid-Level Manager (MLM) training was provided to seven staff members in Islamabad to enhance managerial capabilities. In February 2021, a successful TCV campaign vaccinated 700,000 children aged 9 months to 15 years, while the MR campaign achieved a

Summary Achievement 2022

It was conducted comprehensive training for 22 newly recruited vaccinators, including two weeks of classroom and practical

sessions. A Healthy City Seminar was organized, focusing on strengthening routine immunization, fostering public-private partnerships, and raising awareness about tobacco control, with participation from prominent doctors in Islamabad. During World Immunization Week (WIW), activities included a WHO Rawal Town (May 2023). Additional expansions included the inauguration of a training hall at BHU Jhangi Syedan (May 2023) and the Community Health Center G-13/3 (August 2023). New EPI centers were also established at FWC 17 Meel, FWC Jhangi Syedan, FWC Tarmol, FWC Sangjani, FWC Sarai Kharboza, and FWC Nogazi. The

EPI

Representative’s visit to RHC Bara Kahu and a seminar at PIMS in collaboration with PPA.

launch of the NEIR across Islamabad and the initiation of birth doses at PIMS and Poly Clinic Hospital further bolstered immunization efforts. Other key achievements included MOV research (February 2023), MR outbreak responses in multiple UCs, five IOA rounds, and the celebration of World Immunization Week (April 2023). MR

The IOA campaign covered 4 EOA campaigns in CD, 2 in ICT, and reached 3,587 zero-dose children. The Zindagi Mehfooz (ZM) program was launched in ICT for electronic registration of vaccinated children. Additionally, the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in two phases successfully vaccinated 300,440 children aged 5-12 years, achieving 90% coverage against a target of 334,000.

Summary Achievement 2023

This includes the regularization of 61 EPI staff and the establishment of new EPI centers through the merger of Population Welfare Centers and PEI-CDA/MCI with the DHO, with a proposed merger of EPI-CDA/MCI underway. EPI coverage and synergy with PEI were enhanced through frequent meetings and the establishment of seven new health facilities, including the CHC Golra (March 2023), the CDA Medical Center F-11/4 (March 2023), and the Medical Center outbreak responses in 3 UCs of CDA and 2 of ICT with 99% coverage against Measles/Rubella (June 2023), five IOA rounds, and the celebration of World Immunization Week (April 2023), featuring a shields distribution ceremony for frontline workers and a run-and-ride festival in F-9 Park. Additionally, 54 medical camps were conducted throughout the year, treating 5,267 patients, while 135 vaccinators were trained on NEIR on November 4, 2023. The distribution of 25 motorbikes to outreach vaccinators and the establishment of the first-ever incinerator at CHC Kirpa (September 2023) exemplify the commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and service delivery. MoUs with private medical centers under PPP mode expanded collaborations, with two more expected soon.

Key achievements include conducting IOA rounds that reached over 6,000 defaulters and two Big Catch-Up rounds immunizing 13,000+ children under five. The continuation of 35 vaccinators in CDA areas was supported, and events like World Immunization Week were celebrated. Capacity-building efforts included training vaccinators on NEIR, VPD surveillance, and EPI data systems. Multiple workshops, including TOT for mid-level managers and sessions on typhoid sentinel surveillance, were held. NEIR devices were distributed, and refresher trainings ensured improved vaccine coverage. Delegations from WHO and Gavi were hosted for monitoring visits. EPI coordination was strengthened through weekly and quarterly review meetings and the establishment of a sentinel site at PIMS for typhoid surveillance.

Summary Achievement 2024