Islamabad, May 14, 2015 - Pakistan is all set to introduce IPV in the Routine Immunization Program throughout the country after Ramzan this year. In this regard, a training of trainers (ToT) was conducted in the Federal EPI Program to train the master trainers on the operational and communication aspects of the IPV introduction.

Master trainers from the EPI departments of all four provinces, FATA, AJK and Gilgit Baltistan participated in the ToT held in the Federal EPI. Training was organised to give orientation to participants on vaccine handling, safety and cold chain management, frequently asked questions about the vaccines, operational issues and special communication skills with caregivers regarding introduction of IPV in the Routine Immunization along with OPV and other 8 antigens.

The IPV injection will be administered to the children at the age of 14 weeks along with OPV and shots of pentavalent-III and Pneumococcal-III vaccine. Pentavalent-III is administered against the diseases of Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Haemophilus influenza B & Hepatitis B while Pneumococcal vaccine is given against Hib Pneumonia and Meningitis.

Special session was conducted during the ToT on the Inter personal communication skills of vaccinators required while communicating with the caregivers. The aim of holding this session was to reduce dropouts in the Routine Immunization, boosts routine immunization coverage and improve trust in public health system. Participants were also briefed on the advantages of combination of IPV along with OPV for children. Questions and their responses for the caregivers were also addressed regarding perception of caregivers; ToT also emphasized on the masters trainers to advocate the target population to retain the new vaccination cards that are being developed by the EPI Program for use in future.

Dr. Saqlain Ahmad Gilani, National Program Manager, EPI appreciated the participants of the ToT and expressed his confidence on the successful introduction of the IPV in the Routine Immunization Program. 

Facilitators from Federal EPI, UNICEF WHO gave comprehensive presentations and developed module for the trainees.

IPV has already been introduced for polio campaigns in high risk areas of Balochistan, FATA and Karachi. EPI departments of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab are in preparation to introduce IPV during polio campaign in the current month. On the other hand planning and preparation is underway to introduce the IPV vaccine shot in the Routine Immunization Program.