A provincial stakeholder consultation workshop was organised by Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan for the Strengthening, Nutrition and Immunisation in Pakistan (SNIP) programme.
Provincial Minister, Sindh Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho speaking on the occasion commended the partnership, emphasising the crucial role AKDN has played during times of need, from the COVID-19 crisis to new emerging infection testing. The support and collaboration with the Health Department are commendable, and her confidence in the project’s outcomes is inspiring.
The integrated immunisation and nutrition intervention programme being implemented in partnership with the Aga Khan University and the Aga Khan Foundation is a major step towards improving mothers’ and children’s health, immunisation, and nutrition nationwide, with a key focus on districts in Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The collaboration with federal and provincial governments, along with funding support from GAVI-the Vaccine Alliance, the Power of Nutrition, and the Aga Khan Development Network, sets a strong foundation for impactful change.The challenges faced in child health, nutrition, and immunisation in Pakistan are significant, with the country bearing the third highest burden of child mortality and ranking third for most under-immunised children. The targeted districts of Sindh and Gilgit-Baltistan will greatly benefit from SNIP, aiming to improve the lives of thousands of women and young children, a crucial step in addressing the pressing healthcare needs of the region.
This programme’s scale and impact reflect the dedication and commitment of all stakeholders to make a tangible difference in the lives of mothers and children.
Consultative Meeting on Immunisation, Nutrition, and Maternal and Child Health Held in Astore
Earlier we convened a consultative meeting for government and non-government stakeholders in Gilgit-Baltistan, for the Strengthening, Nutrition and Immunisation in Pakistan (SNIP) programme. Dr Saleemuddin DG Health, Gilgit-Baltistan was the chief guest and delivered the keynote address.
The meeting was attended Dr Shakil Ahmed Director Health Services Diamer-Astore, DHOs of district Gilgit, Astore and Diamer and representatives from private organisations including WHO, WFP, AKF and AKRSP. AKHS,P is implementing this integrated immunisation and nutrition intervention programme on a national scale including key areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and Sindh to improve mothers’ and children’s health, immunisation and nutrition. The target districts include Diamer, Astore and Gilgit in Gilgit-Baltistan, and Thatta and Sajawal in Sindh.
The programme is being implemented in close partnership with the federal and provincial governments, and is funded by GAVI-the Vaccine Alliance, the Power of Nutrition, and the Aga Khan Foundation.