LAHORE:‘Vaccines are extremely important for strengthening immune system and have saved countless lives. A saying of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) highlights whoever saves one life, it is as if he has saved all of humanity. Ensuring equal access to vaccines and supporting global health initiatives is essential’.
These views were expressed by the experts during a health seminar titled “World Immunisation Week (24–30 April 2026)”, organised by Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society (MKRMS) (Jang group of publications), Unicef, EPI Punjab, World Health Organisation (WHO), Gavi, and Punjab Health & Population Department. The chief guest was Ramiz Behoodov (Chief Field Office, Unicef Punjab).
The opening remarks were delivered by Dr Naveed Akhtar Malik (Director EPI Punjab). Guests included Professor Dr Mahmood Ayaz (Vice Chancellor, King Edward Medical University), Professor Dr Khalid Masood Gondal (Vice Chancellor, Fatima Jinnah Medical College), Professor Dr Saira Afzal (Dean IPH), Dr Qurrat-ul-Ain Ahmed (Health Team Lead Unicef Punjab), Dr Murtaza Chaudhry (TFP Gates Foundation), Dr Jamshed Ahmed (Head of Sub Office WHO), Dr Tariq Bhatta (Ex-Chairman NITAG), Dr Ashraf Nizami (President PAPA), Dr Tariq Mian (President PAFE), Rais Ansari, Professor Dr Arsha Mir (Mass Communication Department LCWU), Dr Azhar, and Dr Noreen Zafar. The vote of thanks was given by Dr Khurram Mubeen Khan (Immunisation Officer, UNICEF). The event was hosted by Wasif Nagi, Chairman of Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society.
Rameez Behoodov said Unicef is actively working to protect public health. He said Punjab is playing a leading role, with vaccination awareness reaching 88.6pc in the province. Vaccines have saved between 3 to 5 million lives, and Unicef continues its efforts to protect public health, he added. Professor Dr Mahmood Ayaz stated in today’s era, the easiest way to fight diseases is through vaccination. He said in Surah Al-Kawthar, Allah Almighty mentions granting abundant blessings, among which health is one of the greatest. Disease is the biggest enemy of health, and whenever it attacks the body, it becomes our responsibility to fight it. Infections, he said, are a major threat, and vaccines provide protection against them.
Professor Dr Khalid Masood Gondal emphasised importance of early disease detection and urgent need to raise awareness. He stated vaccination is safe and protects children from various diseases. Professor Dr Saira Afzal highlighted importance of vaccines, stating vaccination is just one aspect of disease prevention. She noted after introduction of TB vaccine, the rate decreased from 7pc to 5pc, which is a positive development. She also pointed out poverty contributes to the spread of dangerous diseases.
Cervical cancer is increasingly being observed in women. It develops near the uterus and is highly dangerous, making preventive measures essential. Qurrat-ul-Ain Ahmed, Ashraf Nizami, Tariq Bhatta, Rais Ansari and Wasif Nagi emphasised vaccines are critically important and that there is a strong need to raise awareness about the vaccines.
