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Pakistan's Premier Multilingual News Agency

China gave over 100,000 doses of Hepatitis A vaccine to Pakistan

Federal Health Minister of Pakistan, Abdul Qadir Patel (R) accepted vaccinations from Guest of Honor Gao Qiang, Sinovac's CEO (R)
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Islamabad, 9 November 2022 (GNP/ TDI): A ceremony to officially hand over 100,000 doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine from Sinovac, the People’s Republic of China, to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was held today in Islamabad.

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The ceremony occurred at the Ministry of National Health Service Regulations & Coordination. As the chief guest of the event, the Federal Health Minister of Pakistan, Abdul Qadir Patel accepted vaccinations from Guest of Honor Gao Qiang, the CEO of Sinovac.

Speaking on occasion, the Federal Minister thanked the Chinese government & people. Along these lines, he said it was encouraging to see the Pakistan-China friendship reach yet another milestone. He noted that China & Pakistan have enduring relationships and are “Iron Brothers.”

Highlighting the catastrophic aftermath of the floods in Pakistan, he shared that large communities in Sindh and Balochistan currently live in flood-relief camps.

Likewise, children and adults living in these relief camps are highly susceptible to disease transmission. Therefore, the likelihood of a Hepatitis “A” virus outbreak is very high.

Federal Minister shared that the government’s top priority was to help the people of Pakistan who have been affected by the floods. In this vein, Sinovac’s donation of 100,000 doses of the Hepatitis “A” vaccine for both children and adults is greatly appreciated.

The gesture strengthens Pakistan and China’s strategic cooperative partnership for the two countries’ joint health and prosperity.

Abdul Qadir Patel further stated, “I hope and pray that the friendship between Pakistan and China endures because it is higher than mountains, deeper than oceans, sweeter than honey, more durable than steel, and more priceless than sight.”

Federal Health Minister of Pakistan, Abdul Qadir Patel (C) during the ceremony
Federal Health Minister of Pakistan, Abdul Qadir Patel (C) during the ceremony

 

 

During his speech, Gao Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of Sinovac, noted that today is another milestone in the seventy years of the unrivaled, enduring friendship between Pakistan and China built on mutual trust, respect, and goodwill.

He shared that the Chinese government views the children and adults residing in flood-affected communities as its people, and the assistance given in the form of 100,000 doses of the Hepatitis “A” vaccine is a sign of love and concern.

In this context, Gao Qiang stated that “I’m happy to say that the Chinese government and people are proud to be a part of this initiative. This is a tiny first step; our long-term vision is more expansive, focusing on strategic health partnerships where Pakistan will soon foster in-land production facilities for life-saving vaccines.”

100,000 doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine from Sinovac, the People's Republic of China, to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
100,000 doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine from Sinovac, the People’s Republic of China, were handed over to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

While Dr. Muhammad Ahmed Kazi, DG, FDI thanked everyone in attendance and stated that “management of Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI) is always honored to convene such events as it is always a great learning experience for the entire team.”

He said, “I thank the entire Sinovac team for the assistance provided on behalf of the programme. I assure you that it will be used to the best of our ability to benefit Pakistani children and adults. I’m looking forward to our continued collaboration.” In addition, Dr. Kazi also expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination’s (MoNHSR&C) leadership for their ongoing leadership and support.

Senior health officials from the MoNHSR&C, Polio Programme (NEOC), NIH, NCOC, DRAP, FDI, and country representatives from the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and other partner organizations, were present at the event.

 

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