To achieve the goals of the program, Lady Health Workers (LHWs) from various communities are chosen. LHWs are educated and belong to their own communities, reducing the unfamiliarity differences. They are paid, trained, supervised by a predefined criteria. A trained LHW can provide all basic health care facilities to her own community. Supervisors are appointed to supervise the work of LHWs. Uptill now, National Programme for Family Planning and Primary Health care has around 48000 LHWs working in almost every part of Punjab and providing primary health care facilities to the community. They can provide promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative services to the community. They also educate and provide Family Planning methods and MCH services.

To combat unprecedented Dengue Epidemic in 2011, although Government started multipronged activities but there was lack of a comprehensive plan with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. To meet this deficiency, Department of Health developed a Plan under the title of “Prevention and Control Program of Epidemics in Punjab” spanning on one year. This programme initiated its activities from 07th January 2012 and was supposed to end on 06th January 2013 but now it will continue its operations as has been shifted from developmental to non-developmental funds. It is the result of effective and efficient implementation of Dengue prevention and control activities that in year 2012

The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) started, as a pilot project in 1978 and was included as one of the component of Accelerated Health Programme in 1983. After wards it was integrated into regular Health Services in 1985. The vaccination for Hepatitis B was included in routine immunization from the year 2002 and for Hib meningitis & Pneumonia in the year 2008. The major activity of EPI is to carry out vaccination of all children of under two years of age against eight vaccine preventable diseases i.e. Poliomyelitis, Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Measles, Neonatal Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib meningitis & Pneumonia and of pregnant women against Tetanus.

Hepatitis is a general term meaning inflammation of liver and can be caused by variety of different viruses such as Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis A and E spread through fecal (sewage) contamination of food or drinking water, while B, C and D are transmitted through percutaneous or parenteral contact with infected blood, body fluids, and by sexual contact. spread through sex, blood and birth from infected mothers. Hepatitis C more particularly spread through blood transfusions and use of contaminated needles and equipments. Contaminated sharps also pose a serious risk of infection. HBV and HCV can cause acute Hepatitis followed by chronic Hepatitis, which results in severe liver diseases, such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The “Enhanced HIV/AIDS Control Program” is under implementation since December 2003. The first phase ended in December, 2008. During the second phase (2009-13), implementation of the PC-1 was started in January 2009. The implementation of the second phase (2009-13) PACP will contribute towards achieving the following objectives by 2013 To control or reverse the spread of HIV among the most at risk groups and to keep the epidemic from establishing among the bridging groups and the general population. To create an environment in the country where People Living with HIV can access medical and social services and enjoy life without facing stigma or discrimination. To coordinate a multisectoral, comprehensive and sustainable response to HIV that is based on evidence, transparency and accountability and involves the various line ministries, the civil society and the main target beneficiaries (the PLHIV and the most at risk groups).

The need of Policy and Strategic Planning Unit (PSPU) was identified mutually by Health Department and donors. Therefore, the need to have a body working closely with the Department of Health on policy analysis, strategic planning, data analysis, identifying issues and challenges was acknowledged. It was decided that the established Unit shall help in designing new initiatives as response to the challenges in coordination and consultation with national and international partners both in private and public development sectors. The Punjab Health Sector Reforms Program was already performing this role, (remove comma) but it was decided to transform the PMU-PHSRP (Project Management Unit- Punjab Health Sectors Reform Program) into PSPU which was approved in December 2012 and has been operational since 1st July 2013. The budget approved for 3 years is Rs.171.9 million.

Malaria control has always been a priority in Pakistan. National Malaria Control Program was started in 1950. In 1961, Malaria control Programme was converted into Malaria Eradication Program under the auspices of WHO with the financial and technical support from WHO, UNICEF and USAID. In 1977 Malaria Control Program was integrated into health services as part of Communicable Disease Control in Punjab Province. This programme forges consensus among key actors in malaria control, harmonizes action and mobilizes resources to fight malaria in endemic areas. Its aim is to reduce the malaria associated morbidity and mortality by keeping malaria under effective control. The programme has also been involved in Dengue prevention and control activities. As a result of concerted efforts the incidence of malaria has reached its lowest level in the province. Moreover, the same staff is working for prevention and control of avian pandemic influenza (AH1N1), Congo Crimean Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), Leishmaniasis.

The Punjab having population of 97 Million which is 56% of the total population of Pakistan. Contributes 63% of the total TB case load of the country. ¼ of the total disease burden of EMRO region is borne by Punjab..

District Health Information System (DHIS) is a mechanism of data collection, transmission, processing, analysis and information feedback to the first level care facilities & secondary level health care facilities. DHIS provides a baseline data for district planning implementation and monitoring on major indicators of disease pattern, preventive services and physical resources. The revised system, unlike the previous system, would gather and collate information from Secondary level hospitals (District Headquarter Hospitals (DHQs) and Tehsil Headquarter Hospitals (THQs)).

Health communication, advocacy, behavior change communication and social mobilization is the priority area of the Punjab Health Department. All the vertical health programs have their own set of communication activities and budget. Health Communication and social mobilization activities are arranged through regular funds of the project or donor support. UNICEF is the lead donor agency for communication activities and has been supporting activities of social mobilization for Polio, EPI, MNCH and HIV AIDS.

In the past, School Health Services remained a component of Health Service Delivery. This service became dormant in late 80s. Under the Health Sector Reforms Program, it was perceived that there is a dire need of Health and Nutrition Program for the school children studying in rural areas. This program can contribute to improve health, nutrition, learning performance, increased school enrolment, attendance, better hygiene practices in the community and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for health, education and child protection. Hygiene education appears in the commitments of governments as well as international agencies and are relevant to international charters like the: the Millennium Development Goals, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, convention on the Rights of the Child and the Dakar Framework for Action - Education for All.