Karachi (TDI): The Aga Khan University Hospital’s Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, in collaboration with the Department of Pharmacy, celebrated the World Immunization Week with a series of impactful events aimed at promoting awareness and encouraging collective action for vaccination.
AKUH’s Department of Pediatrics and Child Health team was led by Dr. Fyezah Jehan, Professor and Chair, and Dr. Ali Faisal Saleem, Vice Chair and Associate Professor. The ceremony featured a symbolic cake cutting and a call to action for continued commitment to child health and immunization advocacy.
Dr. Ali Faisal Saleem said, “Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions in human history. Through this week, we want to remind everyone, from healthcare workers to families, that timely immunization saves lives and secures a healthier future for generations to come.”
A second celebration followed at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Pharmacy. The event was led by Syed Shamim Raza, Director of Pharmacy, AKUH and Khairunnissa Hooda, Chief Nursing Officer. The event was also attended by immunization nurses – the unsung heroes at the forefront of safeguarding public health, along with some patients.
Speaking at the event, Syed Shamim Raza recognized the role of people directly involved with administering life-saving, “Our immunization nurses work tirelessly to protect the community. This week is a tribute to their dedication and a reminder of our collective responsibility to fight vaccine-preventable diseases. Pharmacy’s role in this journey is not just about the medicines — it’s about education, accessibility, and trust.”
The events drew attention to the broader immunization efforts at Aga Khan University Hospital and appreciated the dedication of frontline healthcare teams. The celebrations also aimed to inspire more people to understand the importance of vaccines in preventing illness and promoting overall community health.
World Immunization Week, observed globally from April 24 to 30, is a vital opportunity to highlight the life-saving power of vaccines and the critical role they play in protecting individuals and communities from preventable diseases. This year’s theme for the week was “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible.”
Sohail Majeed
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
