Efficient distribution of vaccines: WHO gives cold chain trucks and medicines to KP

By Bureau report
April 23, 2024
A sign of the World Health Organization (WHO) at their headquarters in Geneva. — AFP/File
A sign of the World Health Organization (WHO) at their headquarters in Geneva. — AFP/File

PESHAWAR: The representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Pakistan, Lou De Peng, on Monday presented two cold chain trucks to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department for the efficient distribution of vaccines, ensuring their effectiveness.

Also, Lou De Peng donated 1400 Android mobile phones and 840 Android tablets to facilitate data sharing among the frontline workers of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in the merged districts of the province.

He held a meeting with the Minister of Health, Syed Qasim Ali Shah and Dr Shaukat Ali, Director-General of Health Services, who briefed both entities on the current health situation. Furthermore, in response to the recent floods, the WHO representative handed over medicines worth Rs 3.6 million to the Health Department to aid in emergency response efforts.

Health Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah tnaked Lou De Peng’s for visiting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the WHO for its continuous support during challenging times. He also appreciated the WHO’s Pakhtunkhwa office for their consistent assistance and generous support to the Health Department.

During media interactions, Qasim Shah acknowledged the technical leadership provided by the WHO in guiding the health department. He emphasized the need for WHO’s support in developing a provincial outbreak response cell and requested technical assistance in various areas.

Lou De Peng reiterated the commitment to work together for the well-being of humanity. Urgent measures will be taken to address multiple diseases, with a particular focus on combating the challenges posed by seasonal floods, which often strain healthcare systems.

“This collaboration underscores the joint efforts of the WHO and the Government of Pakistan in ensuring public health and safety, especially during crises like floods and pandemics,” he added.Both parties remain dedicated to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and response mechanisms to protect the population’s health.