Mobility support for the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in Pakistan

7 August 2018 – Vaccination is a cost-effective method to improve the health status of a population and the EPI intends to prevent vaccine preventable diseases among 23-month-old children. However, immunization coverage remains low in the country and Pakistan continues to experience outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Investment in vaccination programmes will help to expand access to immunization and to reach the most vulnerable and lowest income sections of society. 

Government of Pakistan bans the sale of loose cigarettes

20 June 2018 – In a historical move, the Government of Pakistan has banned the sale of loose cigarette sticks with immediate effect. This landmark decision came through a Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) Notification No SRO 415 (1)/2018, published on 3 April this year. 

The Notification says that “No retail seller or any person shall sell, offer for sale or distribute any cigarettes unless they are in a packet of at least twenty cigarette sticks”. The Government has already banned the sale of cigarettes to minors.