Azra Pechuho Inaugurates 24/7 EPI Model Center at NICH

Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho on Tuesday inaugurated the province's first 24/7 EPI Model Center at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH)

KARACHI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2026) Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho on Tuesday inaugurated the province's first 24/7 EPI Model Center at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH).

The centre, aimed at improving access to routine immunization services and reaching missed, defaulter and zero-dose children, was established by Sindh Govt, in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, BMGF and other development partners.

Health minister appreciated the collective efforts of EPI Sindh and development partners in establishing a model facility that will provide round-the-clock immunization services and improve access for working families and underserved communities.

Dr. Azra emphasized the importance of ensuring that every child receives life-saving vaccines on time and reaffirmed the government's commitment to reducing the number of zero-dose and under-immunized children across Sindh.

The newly established EPI Model Center will provide immunization services round the clock, seven days a week. The center will vaccinate children due for routine immunization, defaulter children, and zero-dose children, while also providing HPV vaccination services for eligible girls and Td vaccination for eligible women.

In addition, the center incorporates Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD) surveillance, Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) monitoring and response mechanisms, strengthened cold chain management, quality recording and reporting systems, and community education and counselling services.

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Participants were informed that the center has been designed as both a service delivery and learning facility that can demonstrate best practices in immunization and guide the future expansion of similar models across Sindh and Pakistan.

The initiative is expected to contribute to improved vaccination coverage, enhanced disease surveillance, and increased public confidence in immunization services.

Senator Rubina Khalid highlighted the importance of linking social protection with health and nutrition services. She noted that the Benazir Nashonuma Programme is contributing to the prevention of child malnutrition through conditional cash transfers, nutrition awareness, and improved access to health services, while Nutrition Stabilization Centres provide critical treatment and care for children requiring specialized support.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Pakistan, reaffirmed WHO's commitment to supporting the Government of Sindh in strengthening integrated nutrition and immunization services.

He noted that both facilities represent important investments in the health and well-being of children and contribute to achieving MDGs related to child health, nutrition, and universal health coverage.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Secretary Health