25/04/2026
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.