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HEALTH MELA
RHC MANDRA, Rawalpindi
The sixth Mother Child Week is being celebrated all over the country from 5th to 10th April, 2010. The focus of this Week is on prevention and treatment of Diarrhea. In this context a Health Mela was organized at RHC Mandra, District Rawalpindi, on 7th of April, 2010 by National Program for Family Planning and Primary Health Care with support from UNICEF and PAIMAN.
Due to official commitments the honorable Federal Minister for Health could not attend the Mela. The key participants included representatives from UNICEF, PAIMAN, National Program for Family Planning & Primary Health Care, UNFPA, WHO and other collaborating partners.
The proceedings started with recitation from The Holy Quran, done by a member of local Health Committee. Dr. Fauzia Tariq moderated the event.
Dr. Tanvir Ahmed (Provincial Coordinator Punjab, National Program for Family Planning & Primary Health Care) welcomed the participants and threw light on the miracles of awareness of communities through Lady Health Workers. In this regard he said that by simple interventions we can reduce the maternal and infant mortality rates by many folds. He quoted a study in which he shared that by making people wash their hands with soap drastic reduction in disease and mortality was seen.
Dr. Nabila Ali (Chief of Party, PAIMAN) admitted that in the beginning the conduction of Mother Child Week seemed merely a dream but the devotion of all stakeholders has made it a huge success. She hoped that a day will come when we would proudly say that 100 % of children have been immunized and given de-worming tablets all over the country, specifically in Rawalpindi District.
Ms. Pirko (Deputy Representative UNICEF) in her remarks emphasized on the Millennium Development Goals and showed confidence that the conduction of Mother Child Weeks regularly will give desired results. She was of the opinion that this intervention will be instrumental in achievement of MDGs of the country by 2015 and appreciated the role played by LHWs.
Dr. Iqbal Ahmed Lehri (National Coordinator, National Program for Family Planning & Primary Health Care) said that Lady Health Workers being pillars of the Program have played a pivotal role in smooth conduction of Mother Child Weeks and the Program is successful due to their commitment and hard work. He also boosted their morale by saying that their efforts are being recognized at National and International forums. He requested media to project the activity and play its constructive role in this National cause. He thanked UNICEF team for its continuous support. He also expressed gratitude towards UNICEF and PAIMAN for sponsoring the Mela.
Dr. Zafar Gondal (EDO Health, Rawalpindi District) appreciated the organizers for their efforts in making the Mela a success. He appreciated the Lady Health Workers and hoped that they would continue the good work in future. He thanked all the guests.
In the end the participants visited the stalls. They showed great appreciation for the stall of Health House. They were briefed about the different components of the House.
A role play of Women Health Committee was also done by LHWs which was appreciated by all. The Mela ended with refreshments.
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