RAWALPINDI: In a powerful show of community engagement and public health advocacy, REEDS Pakistan marked World Immunization Week (April 24–30) with a series of awareness activities across Rawalpindi, reinforcing the life-saving importance of vaccines in the fight against preventable diseases.
The weeklong campaign, conducted in collaboration with the District Health Authority Rawalpindi and the World Health Organization (WHO), brought together health professionals, students, and educators to spotlight immunization’s critical role in building resilient communities.
Key events were held at the School of Midwifery and St. Catherine’s High School and College, where targeted awareness sessions educated students and women health workers about routine immunization schedules, vaccine efficacy, and recent advancements such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
At the School of Midwifery, Dr. Mishal from REEDS delivered a compelling session on the role of vaccines in safeguarding children’s and adolescents’ health. The event featured Mr. Waqar Satti, District Vaccination Superintendent, as the chief guest, while Dr. Asif Shahzad, Divisional Coordinator for WHO, provided detailed updates on Pakistan’s Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) and strategies for amplifying outreach.
Similarly, at St. Catherine’s, Principal Sister Nadia Aishaq joined hands with WHO’s Mr. Shahzad to host an interactive session where students explored the science behind vaccines and their impact on public health. The school’s enthusiastic participation reflected growing youth awareness around immunization.
Awareness walks held at both venues drew strong participation from students, educators, and healthcare workers, sending a unified message: vaccines are vital tools in disease prevention and the foundation of a healthier future.
Through these coordinated efforts, REEDS Pakistan reaffirmed its role as a key stakeholder in national health advocacy, leveraging partnerships and grassroots mobilization to promote vaccine literacy and strengthen community resilience.
