IGH is collaborating with the Global Immunization Division (GID) at CDC, Pakistan’s National Stop Transmission of Polio (NSTOP), and other global partners to address Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) challenges. These efforts:
IGH was awarded the cooperative agreement and IGH’s director and public health analyst travel to Islamabad and meet with NSTOP team for project kick-off meeting and discussions.
IGH staff and NSTOP leadership facilitated a 7-day pre-deployment training for 20 newly inducted NSTOP filed officers
IGH supported the expansion and recruitment of additional field officers in high priority districts throughout Pakistan, including north and south Waziristan, Killa Abdullah and Chaman. The NSTOP officers were able to identify 298 missed children and vaccinate them on the spot.
National coordinator stop monitors and supervises the administration of Health camps in Karachi. Health camps serve as outreach for high risk areas of Pakistan and provide life-saving vaccines and other health services.
Bill Gates visited Pakistan’s National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) to meet with leaders of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). This gathering of leaders included the National Co-Ordinator for the National Stop Transmission of Polio (NSTOP) (pictured below with Bill Gates) and Deputy national coordinator.
IGH and NSTOP workers reacted to first wild poliovirus case reported in 15 months from North Waziristan and positive environmental samples reported from same district of Bannu. Since that case, field staff have been deployed to continue Polio education initiatives.
IGH facilitated a strategic planning meeting in Istanbul. Turkey for participants representing CDC. Pakistan’s Ministry of Health, Polio Eradication initiative, expanded programme on Immunization and National stop transmission of polio program. This meeting enabled information sharing and discussions to establish a synchronized approach to Polio Eradication and Routine Immunization Programs and strategies to maintain current momentum.
IGH visited Islamabad to begin planning for year 2. Discuss plans for professional development opportunities for NSTOP and plans to ensure safety of stop officers moving forward. Polio Oversight Board visits Pakistan again and conducts site visits.