Unveiling and addressing implementation barriers of vaccination communication strategy: Perspectives from government officials at national and provincial levels.

Communication strategy is one of the support of primary health care (PHC) that can address demand-side barriers and socio-cultural factors to promote better services. Conversely, communication strategies have not been a distinct emphasis of vaccination research in the country until now. Therefore, this study aimed to find the elements that influence the provision of vaccination communication in Pakistan. Twenty-two semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in vaccine communication were conducted using qualitative methodologies (Jan 2022-March 2022). The interviews revolved around factors affecting the implementation of communication. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. By using the SURE framework, numerous factors that affect vaccination communication were identified under three major themes such as organizational-level, constitutional, and community-level factors. Five subthemes marked the organizational-level factors such as constrained budget, infrastructure deficits, inconsistent comprehensive strategy, health workforce, and inadequate training. Two subthemes are derived regarding constitutional and community-level factors, respectively, such as governance and leadership, health communication interventions not a policymaker's priority, community perceptions and practices, and formal partnership lacking between national and local stakeholders. Additionally, employment of established communication committees, improved money allocation, engagement of traditional and religious institutions, and political backing were identified as solutions for improvement. Communication activities are an important part of immunization programs in order to increase vaccination coverage. To be able to execute communication interventions more successfully, national and provincial stakeholders must work together to identify the elements that affect vaccine provision. Additional rigorous implementation studies could aid in the development of clearer knowledge of the system-wide constraints obstructing the program's efficiency.

Big data analytics and COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 has severely affected almost every aspect of society worldwide. During the uncertainties of this pandemic, COVID-19 vaccines were a new hope. In particular, Covid's monitoring of the information, big data analysis played a major role. What started as the basic use of big data analysis is the core component of worldly initiatives Therefore, based on enlightening experiences of big data application for fighting the pandemic, this research focuses on the ethical objectives to be promoted in vaccine delivery, assessing the potential effect of big data analytics on reaching these goals by enabling people to receive a digital passport or certificate.

Introduction of typhoid vaccine in the expanded immunization program of Pakistan.

Worldwide, typhoid infects 11-20 million people each year. In Pakistan, the first extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid was reported in 2016 resulting in an epidemic. To curb this battle of typhoid, the Expanded Program for Immunization (EPI) of Pakistan requested Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) for financial assistance. Hence becoming the first country to administer the vaccination against typhoid in children through EPI. To address the possible risk of endemic, it is needed that WHO and the United Nations should recommend all south Asian countries to avail of this golden opportunity provided by GAVI. Finally, the addition of typhoid vaccine in routine immunization will reduce mortalities, morbidities, health expenditure, and increase life expectancy in all low- and middle-income countries.

Public knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding antibiotics use in Punjab, Pakistan: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Public awareness about antibiotics use is critical in antimicrobial resistance. We evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the general population of Punjab, Pakistan in this cross-sectional study. METHODS: We used a 50-item questionnaire to collect information on participant demographics, knowledge, and attitudes about antibiotics use and to evaluate the practices of taking antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. RESULTS: Of the 2106 participants who completed surveys, 35.4% thought antibiotics could cure viral infections; 47.5% believed they are effective against cold and flu. Nearly 60% percent of respondents had self-medicated with antibiotics. Married people (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.285, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.004-1.643 p = 0.046), higher antibiotics use knowledge (AOR = 0.818, 95% CI: 0.674-0.993 p = 0.042), ever purchased antibiotics without a physician's prescription (AOR = 2.024 95% CI: 1.674-2.457 p ≤ 0.001) and storing antibiotics at home (AOR = 0.801 95% CI: 0.652-0.985 p = 0.035) were significantly associated with self-medication practices. CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of inappropriate antibiotics use exists among the general population of Punjab. Interventions are needed to improve health literacy and supervise antibiotics sales in retail pharmacies.

Exploring the potential of tianeptine matrix tablets: Synthesis, physico-chemical characterization and acute toxicity studies.

The main objective of the present study was to explore the potential of matrix tablets as extended release dosage form of tianeptine, using HMPC K100 as a polymer. HPMC K100 extended the release of the drug from formulation due to the gel-like structure. Direct compression method was adopted to compress the tablets using different concentrations of polymer. Tablets were evaluated for pre-compression and post-compression parameters. Drug release study showed that tablet extends the release of drug with the increasing concentration of polymer. Drug, polymers and tablets were analyzed and/or characterized for compatibility, degradation, thermal stability, amorphous or crystalline nature via FTIR, DSC, TGA, XRD studies. SEM study predicted that tablets had a uniform structure. HPMC K100 based tablets were similar to that of the reference product. Acute toxicity study conducted on Swiss albino mice showed that matrix tablets were safe and non-toxic, as no changes in physical activity and functions of organs were observed. Biochemical and histopathological study revealed lack of any kind of abnormality in liver and renal function. Moreover, necrotic changes were absent at organ level.

Rational Prescription and Cost-Effective Medication: Challenges and Opportunities in Pakistan.

Pakistan is one of the countries with the highest number of medications filled per prescription due to overly prescribed antibiotics and injectable drugs. This is due to a lack of ethical practices in prescribing because doctors aresignificantly influenced by lucrative financial incentives of pharmaceutical companies rather than clinical findings. This immoral activity has become significantly amplified over the past few years and continues to be a challenge in Pakistan. Currently, there is no code of ethics for marketing and promotional activities of pharmaceutical companies. This year, authorities have step up and are in the process of creating policies to regulate companies and practitioners. Implementation of these new policies needs vigilance from health officials, strong professional commitment and institutional collaboration. If executed correctly, these polices should create an environment of professionalism within the healthcare sector.