Dengue update

The Ceremonial presentation of draft National Immunization Policy

Ceremonial presentation of the draft National Immunization Policy to the Hon. Minster of health, other elected members of the central and provincial government bodies and health officials was held on 29^th April 2014 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, Colombo with the participation of over 150 delegates. This draft policy was formulated with contributions from many stakeholders including Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance and Planning and Ministry of Justice under the leadership of the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health with financial assistance of Sabin Vaccine Institute.  Having a National Immunization Policy would further strengthen the National Immunization Programme by ensuring the provision of an enabling environment for immunization of all eligible individuals in the country.

Minister of Health, Hon. Maithreepala Sirisena was the chief guest and members of parliament, Hon. Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle and Hon. Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Chief Minister of the southern province, Hon. Shan Vijayalal de Silva and Health Ministers of North Western and Central provinces; Hon. D.B. Herath and Hon. Bandula Yalegama and Dr. Devendra Prasad Gnawali, Senior Program Officer of the Sabin Vaccine Institute grace the occasion. Officials from Ministry of Health including Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Director General of Health Services, Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Deputy Director General of Public Health Services and Dr. Paba Palihawadana, Chief Epidemiologist were present. Representative from the World Health Organization, members of academia, professional collages and ministries of Finance and Planning, Education and Ministry of Justice were also present...