Newborns get a healthy start at the 24/7 Birth Dose Centre
UNICEF, together with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, is helping newborns receive vital vaccines at the 24/7 Birth Dose Centre in Islamabad’s Poly Clinic.
Pakistan is among the top ten countries globally with the highest number of children not receiving vaccination that protects against multiple diseases. Ensuring that the first immunization dose is administered at birth and informing the parents about the next dose and follow-up is important.
Thousands of children miss out on their vital birth dose and protection against deadly diseases. Tragically, nearly a thousand children-under-five die every day from 12 vaccine preventable diseases. Vaccines can safeguard children’s health and support a safe start in life.
One of the main reasons behind missing the first dose for newborns is the cultural norm of keeping child and mother in the home for the first 40 days. A partnership between Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination and UNICEF aims to address this issue.
With the generous support of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, UNICEF established a 24/7 Birth Dose Centre adjacent to the labour room at Islamabad’s Poly Clinic Hospital so that health managers can ensure newborns are vaccinated with their first dose within six hours of their birth.
Rukhsana's baby boy receives his first doses of BCG and polio vaccines. "Our tradition keeps us inside the home for the first 40 days. Without this 24/7 Birth Dose Centre, my child would have missed his first dose. I'm so happy my baby is safe now. I also learned about the importance of child spacing and breastfeeding,” shares Rukhsana, while holding her newborn.
A digital screen at the labour room reception displays vaccine information. Vaccinator Naureen explains the importance of immunization, vaccine safety and the protection provided against vaccine preventable diseases.
Born via caesarean section, Qaisar’s baby is on his way to the 24/7 Birth Dose Centre to receive his first vaccine. "I saw on the digital screen that vaccination is very important, and it’s conveniently located near the labour room."
"Keeping our child healthy is a team effort, and I want to be with my child every step of the way to ensure a healthy life."
Qaiser
Nurse Ishrat Yousaf (pictured right) is in charge of the baby nursery. She encourages parents of newborns to pay close attention to their baby’s vaccination schedule.
"My favourite part about my job is that I get to care for these newborn babies. I am happy to be able to help them start a healthy life."
Nurse Ishrat
Sonia Harrison’s baby receives his first dose at the 24/7 Birth Dose Centre at the Poly Clinic, Islamabad. The QR code (National Electronic Immunization Registry) on his card will help track his immunization schedule until he is 2 years old.
Head of the 24/7 Birth Dose Centre, Dr. Niaz, highlights the centre's achievements, noting that 500 children receive their first dose each month. However, many more children still miss this vital protection. He emphasizes the urgent need to expand these services to all medical facilities to reach more children.
UNICEF is supporting the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination by establishing 24/7 Birth Dose Centres in 72 medical facilities across Pakistan, ensuring that newborns receive their first dose of vaccines promptly.
Despite these efforts, much more work is needed to reduce the large number of zero-dose children in Pakistan. These facilities need more investment to provide skilled staff, vaccines, cold chain storage units and other essential equipment.
With continued support and investment, more babies in Pakistan can grow up healthy and have the chance to thrive.
