China provides 100,000 Hepatitis A vaccine doses to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A ceremony was held at the Ministry of National Health Service Regulations & Coordination in Islamabad to transfer 100,000 doses of the Hepatitis 'A' vaccine from Sinovac, the People's Republic of China, to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Federal Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel presided over the occasion as the Chief Guest and received vaccines from Sinovac's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gao Qiang, on behalf of the Government of Pakistan.

Speaking at the event, a federal minister praised the Chinese government and people and remarked that it is encouraging to see the Pakistan-China relationship reach yet another milestone. 
Pakistan and China have deep, authentic, and enduring ties.

Currently, Pakistan is experiencing the aftermath of the worst floods in its history; huge communities in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan are still living in flood relief camps. 
Children and adults living in these camps are extremely susceptible to disease transmission. Therefore, the likelihood of an outbreak of the Hepatitis 'A' virus is extremely high. The government's first concern is providing aid to flood-affected Pakistani populations.

At this time, we are extremely appreciative of Sinovac's donation of 100,000 doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine for children and adults. The act strengthens Pakistan and China's strategic cooperative partnership for the health and prosperity of both nations. 

"I pray that the friendship between Pakistan and China continues to be greater than mountains, deeper than oceans, sweeter than honey, stronger than steel, and more valuable than sight."

Mr Gao Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of Sinovac, stated in his message that today commemorates the continuance of seventy years of enduring and unprecedented bilateral friendship between Pakistan and China built on mutual trust, respect, and goodwill.

The Government of China considers the children and adults living in flood-affected towns to be its people, and the 100,000 doses of Hepatitis 'A' vaccination delivered as aid is an expression of care and affection.

Dr Muhammad Ahmed Kazi, Director General of the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI), thanked all authorities and stated, "The management of the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI) is always honoured to convene such events, as they are always a learning opportunity for the entire team."

On behalf of the program, I would like to thank the entire Sinovac team for their assistance and for guaranteeing that it will be utilized in the best way possible to benefit the children and adults of Pakistan. 

Looking forward to continuing our relationship. Dr Kazi praised the leadership of the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination for their continued direction and assistance.

Respected top health officials from the MoNHSR&C, Polio Programme (NEOC), NIH, NCOC, DRAP, FDI, and Country Representatives of WHO, UNICEF, and other partner organizations attended the ceremony.