Consultative Meeting on Immunisation, Nutrition, and Maternal and Child Health held in Gilgit-Baltistan

Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan (AKHS, P) held a consultative meeting for government and private stakeholders in Astore, Gilgit-Baltistan, for the SNIP (Strengthening, Nutrition and Immunisation in Pakistan) programme. Dr Saleemuddin Director General of Health, Gilgit-Baltistan was the chief guest and delivered the keynote address. Commenting on the programme, Mr Nadeem Abbas, Chief Executive Officer of AKHS, P said: “By adopting a collaborative approach, this programme aims to develop resilient health systems and communities in Pakistan, ultimately reducing infant and child mortality and improving the well-being of children and mothers.” Pakistan faces serious challenges in child health, nutrition, and immunisation, bearing the third highest burden of child mortality and ranking third for most under-immunised children (about 1.2 million) globally. It is estimated that in Gilgit-Baltistan, more than 100,000 women falling in the reproductive age group and 80,000 children under five years of age are expected to benefit from the interventions of this programme.