Peshawar: A high-level UNICEF delegation led by Country Head Pernille Ironside met Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Adviser Ihtesham Ali on Monday to review health challenges in the province after recent floods, with focus on maternal and child health, nutrition, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
The delegation included Chief of Field Office KP Radoslaw Rzehak, Health Team Lead Dr. Inamullah, and Nutrition Lead Dr. Aien Khan Afridi. Secretary Health Shahidullah Khan was also present during the meeting.
Officials said UNICEF is supporting 450 nutrition sites across KP and helping implement DHIS 2 in 26 districts. It is also assisting in oxygen management in 18 districts, enhancing 13 newborn care units, and solarising four secondary-level hospitals under its climate-friendly health system initiative.
Ihtesham Ali thanked UNICEF for its continued support and said the provincial government, in line with PTI’s founding leader’s vision, is prioritising health and education. He added that practical steps are underway to improve services in remote areas such as Kohistan and Torghar, while 72 health centres in southern and tribal districts are being made functional. Several hospitals are also being outsourced to improve maternal and child healthcare, he said.
Ironside appreciated the health department’s nutrition services for pregnant women and children at Afghan holding camps. Secretary Health Shahidullah Khan informed the delegation that the government plans to integrate the nutrition programme into the regular budget and has launched a project to reduce child stunting.
He said 250 primary healthcare centres are being revamped to provide round-the-clock maternity services, while neonatal ICUs have already been established with UNICEF support. Ten more newborn centres are planned this fiscal year.
To boost routine immunisation, officials said vaccination hours at health centres have been extended and the process of registering newborns immediately after birth has started in several hospitals.
At the end of the meeting, Ali and Secretary Health Shahidullah Khan presented an honorary shield to UNICEF Country Head Pernille Ironside, while UNICEF also presented a shield to the health department in recognition of their partnership.
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