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| » News | | | | | | | Making Islamabad Greener 9/4/2008
To mark International Youth Day on August 12, Greenstar collaborated with Youth Advocacy Network (YAN); a youth led initiative of World Population Foundation (WPF) and Capital Development Authority (CDA) and organized the event under theme of “Grooming Youth for a greener Pakistan”.<,br>
On the occasion a great participation was shown by NGOs, INGOs, Government officials, civil society, school and college students. The day was marked with plantation of saplings along the roads side of Khayaban-e Iqbal. Speaking on the occasion the chief guests, Mazhar Hussain, Member Environment CDA, and SSP Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) Zubair Hussain, stressed the need for making the town even greener.
In addition a walked was organized, the participants of the walk held play cards calling for involvement of youth in social development and decision making process and implementation of youth policy.
For the display and free distribution of products and informative material many NGOs installed their stalls. Greenstar also distributed free samples of PuR, a water purifier, to children along with flyers. Print and electronic media play an important role in supporting the public awareness of youth issues and also covered the activity.
A major focus of the day was to take practical action, to further encourage the empowerment and participation of the youth in the processes and decisions that affect their lives.
Pakistan currently has the largest group of youth (Ages 10-24) in its history with nearly 54.2 million individuals almost 34 percent of the total population and in 2025; the number of this age group will further contribute for the development of the country.
For Greenstar events and external relation activities please contact gsmcommunication@greenstar.org.pk
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| Regions participation on world population day 7/24/2008
To commemorate the World Population Day, Greenstar West & South II Region actively celebrated the day with provincial population departments and local NGOs with theme “Family Planning: It’s right, let’s make it real” and conducted a series of activities.
West Region arranged free medical camp in collaboration with the “Pakistan Youth League & National Trust for Population Welfare” a local social welfare organization. In this activity more than 300 clients were served and the total visitors were more than 500. GS staff arranged products as well as counseling stall that provided counseling services of family planning to more than 10 clients. Deputy District officer Population Welfare Mr. Zeeshan, EDO-Community development Mr. Saeed and the Mr. Altaf Ghani Bhati- Field Officer National Trust for population welfare participated in this event. Greenstar efforts for population welfare cause were highly appreciated by District officer population welfare and EDO-Community development.
Furthermore a seminar in population convention hall, Multan was organized in collaboration with the Dist. Population Office-Multan. Mr. Syed Wajid Ali Shah-Naib City Nazim was the chief guest of the activity. Different local CBO’s & NGO’s also participated in this activity. Dr. Ambreen from the RTI-Regional training Institute and the Dr. Mubashira form the Nursing school, Major Mujeeb from SWEL represented their respected departments on the occasion. Greenstar’s continuous support was specifically mentioned in all speeches and addresses by line department representatives, appreciating its contribution to the national cause of population welfare and the commitment made to work together in the future as well.
In addition, a walk was organized both in west and south II region with partner organizations, government personals, NGOs and sub NGOs to achieve corporate and national objective for population welfare.
These activities were covered by media both in local and national papers and TV channels. For more information on Greenstar’s activities on World Population Day please contact nishatriaz@greenstar.org.pk
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| Making A Difference Together 7/21/2008
Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan is a consortium partner in the John Snow Inc lead USAID funded Pakistan Initiative for Mothers and Newborns (PAIMAN). Working with the private health care providers, Greenstar is focusing to improve maternal and newborn health services by giving training to 550 lady doctors and LHVs in emergency obstetric care and franchising their clinic under GoodLife Logo.
Dr. Haris Ahmed, Senior Program Manager for Greenstar shared these achievements with the District Government representatives from Sind, Punjab, Baluchistan, NWFP and FATA on July 9, 2008 at PC Bhurban in a seminar highlighting the importance of Public and Private Partnership. The seminar was attended by representatives from USAID Mission in Pakistan, John Snow Inc, Population Council and Contech International.
Greenstar has introduced a number of innovations in this project one of which is SMS enterprise system, where providers send in their weekly activity reports on SMS to Greenstar data base. Greenstar is launching maternal voucher scheme in D G Khan where 2000 pregnant women from poor and deprived households will be provided vouchers for free services which include free delivery in GoodLife clinics.
Greenstar launched the birth preparedness campaign and showed a Docudrama prepared for the community. Dr Haris informed the participants that Greenstar has given training to 42 tertiary care providers in the private sector at PIMS Islamabad, which is first of its kind in Pakistan. Ms Lauren Mueenuddin, Deputy Chief of Party for PAIMAN, concluded the seminar by a vote of thanks and appreciated Greenstar for its role in PAIMAN.
For more information on Greenstar PAIMAN project, please contact harisahmed@greenstar.org.pk
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| Greenstar receives Best Performance Awards 7/16/2008
World Population Day was celebrated on Friday, 11th July across the world with an aim to solicit maximum support to popularise small family norms and its importance for the country’s socio-economic development. This year, the day was celebrated with the theme ,”Family Planning: It’s right, let’s make it real”.
The theme refers to forty years ago world leaders’ proclamation that individuals have a basic human right to determine freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children.
The Ministry of Population Welfare, Provincial Population Welfare Departments and Azad Jammu and Kashmir undertook a series of activities to commemorate the day at federal and provincial level.
National Population Convention was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani.
Ministers, MNAs, Senators, diplomats, donor community, senior bureaucrats, NGOs and media persons attended the convention.
Greenstar was a major partner with Ministry of Population Welfare on the event. Government acknowledged Greenstar’s support and contribution by awarding Best Performance Awards to Dr. Maheen Naveed, Senior Manager Reproductive Health and Family Planning and Dr. Afshan Ameen, Manager Health Services. In addition, Greenstar was reflected visually on display banners and backdrop which is an evidence of Government’s acknowledgement to Greenstar.
Greenstar highly appreciates Government's support and we strive to continue our efforts for the same national cause.
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| PUR with Special Children 6/5/2008
The most PUR people are children and out of them Special children are ‘The Most PUR” ones. To show more PUR love to these special children, GoodLife arranged a Mega event in Multan on 17th May 2008 in Art Council Multan, with the caption, “PUR for PUR”.
This activity was conducted in collaboration with the “Kaus-e- Kazah Welfare Organization-Multan,” working with special children. The main purpose of the activity was to create awareness among the children about the importance of clean water. For the awareness and entertainment of Kids and their families different activities were arranged. Musical show was organized and special children also presented impressive and mind blowing skits. In the end the PUR demonstration attracted the participants and they asked many questions about the efficacy of the PUR brand.
Each year 3 million Pakistani people acquire water-born infections of which 1.2 million die, to reduce this death toll, a home water purification technology should be used to clarify drinking water and to reduce impurities were said by one of the GS staff member in their presentation and also high-lighted the importance of clean water.
A gathering of around 400 special children, their parents & school teachers from Multan & surrounding districts participated in the activity with the cooperation of Govt. Special Education Schools department. Executive District Officer - Community Development Mr. Saeed also participated and highly encouraged the activity and stressed on conducting such activities more frequently.
Apart from above activities, a GS-stall was also arranged out side the hall, where GS staff provided additional information on PUR, child and neonatal care.
For more information on PUR activity and brand feel free to contact Sobia Raja at sobiaraja@greenstar.org.pk
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| MA TUJHAY SALAM 5/20/2008
To honor mother’s day Greenstar observed the mother’s day by providing free health consultations to mothers. Greenstar team arranged a variety of gatherings including DHQ Hospital Jhang with the support of Dr. Bilqis Matloob, Head of Gynae, Dr. Kaneez Zohra Sial, and SMO Gynae (OPD), at GS provider’s clinic in Bhawalnagar and Faisalabad, and in Multan with “Monthly Awami Sahara Magazine” by conducting a Bridal & Cultural Award Show 2008.
In DHQ hospital GS staff arranged counseling stall, where Greenstar’s Dr Bilqis and Dr Nousheen of Gynae unit gave counseling services of family planning to more than 19 clients. Dr Balqis was announced as an ideal Mother. In Bhawalnagar and Faisalabad gatherings were organized at GL provider’s clinic to commemorate the day. The participants were briefed about the importance of the day, and the role of a healthy mother for a healthy society.
While in Multan Greenstar collaborated with Monthly Awami Sahara Magazine and organized “Bridal & Cultural Award Show 2008” with the idea that “The Brides- Mothers” to be”. One of the participant said that “as the only way for a bride to maintain her beauty for long time is stress free living which is possible by birth spacing and family planning. In the activity more than 500 women’s participated of whom 95% were of reproductive age.
Greenstar products and services are committed to provide better health opportunities for Pakistani mothers thus building a healthier nation.
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| Provincial Secretary receives presentation at GS R 5/5/2008
Mr. Yousaf Naseem Khokar, Secretary Population, Government of the Punjab visited Greenstar’s regional Office at Lahore last week. Dr. Samina Hamdani Director Technical & Dr. Attia Hanif from PWD accompanied the provincial secretary.
Mr. Javaid Sadiq received Secretary Population & introduced him to team members including Mr. Sadaqat Ali (Regional General Manager), Dr. Afshan I. Ameen (MHS), Hasnain Adam Ali (MFA), Dr. Aminah Khan (SMO), MR. Amjed Abbas (SMO), Mudasar Nawaz (AMIPC), Mr. Muhammad Shoaib (RSSM) with zonal teams.
Dr. Afshan Ameen, Manager Health Services made a presentation on Greenstar followed by an interactive question answer session. During this discussion Secretary Population showed interest in working with Greenstar private sector providers.
Mr. Khokar was also very keen on further strengthening the Public Private Partnership. GS team informed the secretary about GS’s collaboration in past in Female Welfare Centres of the Provincial Welfare Department. Mr. Khokar asked Dr. Samina Hamdani to prepare a brief on the project and also to share a future strategy for the way forward.
Greenstar is grateful to the new provincial management for their support and facilitation.
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| The Importance of Multivitamins and Micronutrients 4/23/2008
Greenstar under USAID funded PAIMAN Project has introduced a micro nutritional supplement for women in reproductive age, VIDA, prepared on UNICEF recommended formulary to address micronutrient deficiency among women in developing countries.
As a pre – launch event a symposium on “The Importance of Multivitamins and Micronutrients for Pakistani Women” was organized in Sukkur on 17 April and at DG Khan on 18 April 2008, respectively with purpose to highlight the role of Multivitamin and micronutrients in Pakistani women.
The symposia marked the campaign for VIDA. At both these places the symposia were well attended by the notables of the district government, PAIMAN consortium partners and especially the health care providers which included Gynecologists, General Practitioners and Lady Health workerss both from the public and private sector.
All participants were briefed on the concept of GoodLife, PAIMAN, and Greenstar activities and projects. Dr. Majeed Memon a well known consultant of Greenstar discussed the role of multivitamin and micronutrient and the effect of their deficiencies especially in pregnancy, lactating mothers and in children. He also mentioned that in order to achieve good health and to prevent stress, fatigue, infections and disease, women need to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they require. It was also noted that for most of the women in our society, a diet alone just won’t improve their health status, and this is where taking oral supplements of multivitamin or a combination of the most important vitamins and minerals is so very beneficial. Dr.Pervaiz Haidar Altaf (EDO, DG Khan) appreciated Greenstar activities and extend his department cooperation for Greenstar.
The seminars were well received by all the participants and were given wide print and electronic media coverage on both local and national media.
For more information on Multivitamins please feel free to contact Dr Haris Ahmed at harisahmed@greenstar.org.pk
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| Tuberculosis knows no borders. 4/3/2008
World Tuberculosis (TB) Day was observed through out World to raise awareness among public about this global epidemic. Several government and non government organizations had arranged activities on the day to boost efforts top eliminate the disease as one third of the population is currently infected with TB.
Pakistan has the seventh highest tuberculosis burden in the world, with an estimated prevalence of 177/100,000. This means an estimated 1.6 million people are suffering from the disease. Despite the extraordinary efforts of the government and partners, it is still estimated that only 39% of those afflicted are diagnosed and receive treatment, well below the global target of 70 %.
In a very successful example of a public private partnership, Greenstar works with the National TB Control Program to assist the government in its efforts to detect TB patients and to treat them using the very successful directly observed therapy (DOTS) intervention. Greenstar activities include:
• Identification of possible TB patients
• Facilitation for testing
• Registration for treatment with the provider
• Provision of medication directly to their home for the full eight month course of treatment.
To commemorate World TB day, Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan organized series of events all over Pakistan and all the activities were carried out in collaboration with relevant government departments, partner organizations and civil society. Major activities included awareness walks, community awareness activities, and advocacy and seminars. Greenstar acknowledges the strong role of treatment supporters in making GoodLife TB DOTS program and dedicates the World TB Day to all treatment supporters.
Greenstar envisions a Pakistan where people plan their families and have improved maternal and child health and reduced tuberculoses burden. Greenstar aims to be an organization of competent professionals, passionate about improving the lives of poor people in Pakistan.
To improve the quality of life among people throughout Pakistan by increasing access to and use of health products, services and information, particularly in the lower socio-economic population groups.
For more information on World TB Day please feel free to contact Ms. Nishat Riaz at nishatriaz@greenstar.org.pk
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| Infection Prevention (IP) Seminar in Central Regio 3/6/2008
Every Health Care worker plays a vital role in helping to minimize the risk of cross infection. Even with limited staff, equipment, and funds, health care facilities in the developing world can fight deadly diseases such as HIV infection and hepatitis B by following some simple, cost-effective procedures” said by Brig. ( R ) Khalid Younus, DG Population Welfare Department Punjab.
The IP seminar was organized by Lahore Region 1, on 27th of February in PC Lahore. It was witnessed by Chief guest Brig. ( R ) Khalid Younus, DG Population Welfare Department, Punjab and Dr. Samina Hamdani, Director Technical, was the guest of Honour. While active participation was also showed by 82 providers.
Dr. Sohail Lodhi, Consultant Gynecologist in his presentation stressed upon general principles of infection prevention and control, which include: achieving optimum hand hygiene, using personal protective equipment, safe handling and disposal of sharps, safe handling and disposal of clinical waste, managing blood and bodily fluids, decontamination equipment, achieving and maintaining a clean clinical equipment, appropriate use of indwelling devices, managing accidents, good communication-with other health care workers, patients, and visitors, training/ education and he also said that by applying standard precautions at all times and to all patients, best practices become second nature and the risk of infection could be minimized.
For more information on IP campaign please contact Mr. Aaqib Sayyed at aaqibsayed@greenstar.org.pk
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| Platinum Ceremony of GoodLife-TB DOTS Project 2/27/2008
Greenstar celebrated the Platinum ceremony of TB DOTS Project at the completion of 100 weeks. In Karachi ceremony dated on 4th December, 2007in south regional office while in Quetta it was celebrated on 21st February 2008 at Zonal Office.
The ceremony was witnessed by Chief Guest Dr. Naseer Baloch – Additional Secretary Health, Dr. Baseer Khan Achakzai – Manager PTP Balochistan, Dr. Tariq Jaffar – Chief Planning Officer Balochistan, Dr. Nasrullah from Health Deptt., Dr. Lubna – Deputy Manager PTP Balochistan, Dr. Ashraf Bugti – NPO, WHO and Dr. Saeedullah – Mercy Corps.
The Best Performance Awards were awarded to, CHO, Mrs.Samina Ikram of Korangi team, CHO, Mr.Aamir Balouch of Defence team, CHO, Mr.Imran Arif of Hasan Square team, CHO, Mr.Salman of North Karachi team, Field Supervisor Mr. Mohd Yasir of Korangi team, AMCH, Dr. Abid Jalaluddin Shaikh Defence team. Later on, Korangi team was announced as the best performing team for the year of 2007 and Dr. Muntazir Mehdi Jafri along with team received the trophy by the RGM.
“Greenstar has improved a lot since the start of the TB DOTS Project and the contribution of Greenstar Queta is highest among the other partners in Balochistan and PTP Balochistan would like to continue its support to Greenstar” said by Dr. Baseer Achakzai, Manager PTP Balochistan. Dr. Ashraf Bugti praised the record keeping of Greenstar Quetta and said that the data maintained and reported by the Quetta team is according to their needs and specifications.
The cured and under treatment patients, who were also invited to the ceremony, shared their views. According to a cured patient Mr. Rasheed was thankful to the Greenstar for providing complete support to fight against TB and was satisfied with the services provided to him from the TB Staff. Another cured patient Mr. Saeed also shared similar comments. The under treatment patient, Mr. Naeem said he was satisfied with the treatment being provided by the TB Staff and was very hopeful that he will be cured on treatment completion.
For more information on TB DOTS project please feel free and contact Dr. Haroon Ibrahim at haroon@greenstar.org.pk
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| New Project on Birth Spacing 2/19/2008
With the purpose of increasing the demand for and utilization of family planning services in Pakistan, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is supporting FALAH-Family Advancement for Life and Health, a five year contract to a consortium lead by Population Council worth $23 million. Greenstar Social Marketing, one of the prime recipients, was part of the project launch organized by Population Council on 12th February at Islamabad.
The launch ceremony was witnessed by Federal Ministers and senior officials of Health Population Welfare, United States Ambassador, representatives from donor agencies and civil society, members of consortium partners, media and dignitaries from public and private sector.
Greenstar with its 16 years of social marketing expertise of building capacity of private health care providers to provide quality of care, supplying family planning commodities and services and social mobilization for generating demand of family planning commodities and services thereby bringing a change in people’s behaviors towards health seeking, makes it a valuable partner. Greenstar will have a national reach with focus on the twenty project districts of all the four provinces of Pakistan.
The project aims to increase demand for family planning by increasing knowledge of the advantages of birth spacing through a concentrated mass media campaign as well as to increase utilization of family planning services by strengthened public and private sector facilities and clinicians who offer quality services. The project will use a multi-faceted approach to reach women and men in a variety of outreach activities performed at different levels of society. In addition to Greenstar, other partners include Futures Constella and JHPIEGO with implementation partners being Health and Nutrition Development Society, Mercy Corps, Rural Support Programme Network and Save the Children, US.
Pakistan with an estimated population of almost 160 million, is ranked the 6th most populous country in the world. Population growth continues at almost 2% per annum and is expected to double in another 38 years, putting an unbearable pressure on its socio-economic indicators and the quality of life of its people. In Pakistan, a woman on an average gives birth to 4.1 children in her birthing years, half of married women use contraceptive methods in their marital life reveals Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2006-07.
The health sector in Pakistan is dominated by the private sector, which provides well over 70% of all health services. This is largely a result of the gaps in public sector health service provision – both in terms of infrastructure and more importantly, quality and availability of services and supplies even where there is standing infrastructure. Greenstar is Pakistan’s second largest family planning provider after the Government. Greenstar provides approximately 30% of all modern contraceptives, making it by far the largest private contributor. 1 of 3 couples in Pakistan use Greenstar’s products and services.
For more information on Greenstar and FALAH project please contact Dr. Laila Gardezi at lailagardezi@greenstar.org.pk.
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| Training of Medical Representatives 2/15/2008
Greenstar strongly believes in building capacity of staff and in improving their technical skills and competencies.
Central Region conducted a two day interactive training for 16 Medical Representatives (MRs). The training was jointly designed and conducted by Regional Sales and Marketing Manager and Manager Health Services. All training sessions were participatory and interactive to ensure maximum participation of all trainees. Sessions included role plays, group work and presentations, audio visual presentations and thematic exercises which kept participants enthusiastic through out the training time.
For more information on organizational development of Greenstar staff, please contact, Mr. Hussain Kazani at hussainkazani@greenstar.org.pk
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| Consultative Meeting with GS Provider Network 2/14/2008
Greenstar Multan team organized a joint consultative forum with Private Health Care Providers in second week of February. Voluntary Surgical Contraception (VSC) providers of Multan zone were invited to discuss and suggest means to improve services being provided to the clients. Major points of discussion included:
a- Service Quality Assurance including Infection Prevention as a priority.
b- Inputs and Suggestion to improve the VSC services.
c- Better coordination among relevant public and private sector partners.
d- Develop a better system of VSC data collection.
f- Up-gradation of the outlets by providing training, kits and boards..
The invitees appreciated Greenstar’s efforts and ensured their support to follow best practices.
As a quick follow up, Multan team has planned to conduct a VSC class room training for the providers of West Region at the end of this month.
The process of Clinical Training of new providers in RHS Centre is being strongly followed up by the regional managers. In this regard, Dr Tabinda and Dr. Rashda Nadeem held a meeting with Incharge of RHS Centre Multan, BWP and KWL.
For more information, please contact Dr. Rashda Nadeem at rashdanadeem@greenstar.org.pk
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| Blood Bank Established in Mian Chuno 2/14/2008
Greenstar, under the umbrella of USAID funded project, PAIMAN,aims to provide effective and efficient health services in 10 districts of Pakistan.
Tehsil Mian Chuno consists of 26 Union Councils with an estimated population of 612,089. Health facilities in the public sector include 22 Basic Health Units, one Rural Health Center and one Tehsil Head Quarters (THQ) Hospital whereas there are 35 hospitals in the private sector. THQ Hospital Mian Chuno is a 60 bedded hospital which was upgraded in 1987. Hospital carries out more than a thousand surgeries in a year in addition to dealing with road side accidental cases. However there is no established blood bank in the public or private sector this resulted in loss of precious lives and unnecessary delays in provision of emergency services, moreover there is an increase in commercial blood donors.
Considering these challenges, Greenstar under USAID funded PAIMAN project worked with stakeholders to establish a viable and sustainable models of public private partnerships (PPP). The suggested PPP model includes establishing of Blood Bank services at THQ Hospital at Mian Chuno through collaboration of a local NGO “WAFA” Welfare Association for Altruism, Khanewal with the Medical Superintendent, THQ Hospital Mian Chuno. The salient features of this partnership include:
• Establishing a fully equipped and functional Blood Bank at THQ Hospital Mian Chuno
• Availability of Blood Bank services round the clock.
• Compiling of blood donors list.
• Advocacy and awareness among civil society in importance of blood donation.
The partnership was formally endorsed in a solemn ceremony on Monday, February 11, 2008 at THQ Hospital Mian Chuno, hosted by Greenstar and witnessed by Maj (Retd) Rao Shakeel Ahmed, DCO Khanewal. The event was marked by a MOU signing ceremony between Dr. Naeem Sadiq, MS Hospital and Mr. Hanif Hameed, Executive Director WAFA. Mr. Hamid Bashir, DGM West Region Greenstar and Dr. Muhammad Rafique, EDO Health Khanewal countersigned the MOU.
The ceremony was attended by Tehsil Nazim, Dr Fazal Mehmood from JSI and PAIMAN consortium partners, Save the Children in addition to local elders, philanthropist and students
For more information, please contact Dr. Haris Ahmed at harisahmed@greenstar.org.pk
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| Partners’ Consultative Meeting for Improved Reprod 2/11/2008
Greenstar organized a consultative meeting of partners on Friday, 08 Feb for providing better reproductive health services including post abortion care. The partners include, Population Council, National Committee for Maternal and Neonatal Health, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Post Graduate Medical Services Hospital, Ministry of Population Welfare and JPHEIGO.
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Unfortunately, post abortion care provided in both public and private facilities falls short of quality standards. Inadequate staff training, short supply of female staff and a lack of appropriate equipment contribute to poor quality services. In collaboration with national and international partners, Greenstar is planning to provide post abortion care services to help reduce complications among the clients.
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Greenstar is the country’s largest private sector provider of reproductive health services; however, much remains to be done to expand service options and improve access in underserved regions. Greenstar aims to involve partners to increase access to high quality family planning, reproductive health and post abortion care services and help Pakistan achieve its goal of replacement level fertility in the coming years.
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For more information please contact Dr. Maheen Naveed at maheen@greenstar.org.pk
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| PAIMAN Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Meeting 2/8/2008
Health sector service provision is dominated by private sector and partners should put integrated efforts to provide affordable and accessible quality health care services. These were the views shared by participants of the Greenstar-PAIMAN thematic meeting held on Tuesday, 5th February 2008.
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Greenstar team presented detailed overview of the capacity building program for private health care providers, interpersonal communications activities, social marketing of health products and also responded to questions from the audience. Among the audience were international and national technical experts on mother and child health, senior officers of the Government of Pakistan, office bearers from the donor and Non Governmental Organsiations, PAIMAN consortium members and representatives from print and electronic media.
Dr. Mohammad Navaid Ali, Chief Operating Officer, Greenstar welcomed the audience and TAG members and briefed about Greenstar services and products. Dr. Navaid also presented shields to PAIMAN technical advisory group members.
Ms. Marry E. Skarie, Director Health Office, United States Agency for International Development and Dr. Nabeela Ali, Chief Of Party, JSI-PAIMAN distributed certificates of excellence among private health care providers and traditional birth attendants.
Greenstar is a consortium partner for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Pakistan Initiative for Mothers and Newborns (PAIMAN) project. This five year program is designed to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in Pakistan by making sure women have access to skilled birth attendants during childbirth and throughout the postpartum period, focused in ten districts selected from the 4 provinces. The PAIMAN consortium is lead by John Snow Inc. (JSI), a US-based international public health organization.
For more information on Greenstar’s services please contact Nishat Riaz at nishatriaz@greenstar.org.pk.
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| Government appreciates private sector contribution 1/4/2008
Government is committed to implement the population policy and private sector’s contribution is commendable. These views were shared by Mr. Syed Mohd. Hamid, Secretary Population Welfare, Punjab during his visit to the Greenstar regional office at Lahore on 26th December 2007.
. Director General, Population, Brig (R) Khalid Yousaf accompanied the newly appointed secretary. The distinguished guests were received by Regional General Manager, Syed Sadaqat Ali and Regional Representative Mr. Javed Sadiq. Mr Sadaqat Ali Introduced the entire Greenstar regional team. Dr. Aminah Khan, Manager Health Services gave a presentation on overview of Greenstar while Dr. Afshan gave as presentation about Greenstar services provided for Voluntary Surgical Contraception and discussed issues which could be addressed with the public sector support.
Secretary and the DG population participated in the discussions and assured the management that issues will be resolved. Both guests appreciated Greenstar’s efforts to reach out to the rural population and acknowledged proven services in the areas of reproductive health and family planning, mother and child health and communicable diseases. Mr. Khalid also appreciated Greenstar’s health communication strategy to reach the communities at their doorsteps.
Greenstar believes in providing quality health services and products to Pakistani families to help build a healthier nation. For more information on Greenstar’s services please contact Nishat Riaz at nishatriaz@greenstar.org.pk.
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| SWOT Analysis of TB Control Program 1/3/2008
Dr. Huma Qureshi of the PR Office conducted the SWOT Analysis. She was accompanied by the GFATM Round 3 Coordinator, Dr. Wajiha Ghias on both days.
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On the second day those present at the occasion were the GS Chief Operating Officer, Technical Advisor, PSI, Operation Managers, GS, representatives from the National TB Control Program (NTP), and the four Provincial TB Control Programs (PTPs). Also present were representatives from local and National Media.
The Greenstar event started with recitation from the Holy Quran, which was followed by round of introduction of the participants. The session was facilitated by Dr. Huma and co-facilitated by Dr. Victor Lara of GS. Welcome address was done by Ms. Dana Tilson, Chief Operating Officer, GS. She thanked all the participants for taking time out to be part of this very important and strategic exercise. She particularly thanked the PR Office in conceptualizing and making the SWOT Analysis happen and termed it as a key step in future interventions of the partners in GFATM Round 3. The first presentation was made by Dr. Haroon Ibrahim, Senior Program Manager, GS, narrating the achievements of GS TB Program. This was followed by a presentation by Dr. Wajiha detailing the various components of the Round 3 TB component and GS’s role in the Program. Dr. Huma delivered the keynote address, in which she highlighted the importance of a positive attitude and how weaknesses can be turned into strengths using the available opportunities by overcoming the threats to project interventions. This was followed by a detailed SWOT Analysis, in which each participant jotted down the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats to the Round 3 Project within the context of GS Operations. This was followed by an exercise in which the participants jotted down how facilitation by each partner could be done to use these Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. The consensus was that three areas need to be focused on for improved working during the 2nd Phase of GFATM Round 3 (TB Component), viz;
• Coordination among all partners
• Combined monitoring and evaluation plan
• Sustainability of the TB control interventions
Please feel free to contact Dr. Haroon Ibrahim for further information on SWOT Analysis of TB Dot Program at haroonIbrahim@greenstar.org.pk
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| Central Region 1 Shifted 1/3/2008
Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan Central Region 1 shifted to new locality and it was inaugurated by Dana Tilson, Chief Executive Director and COO of Greenstar. Now the new address is 67-A, G- Block, Gulberg III, Lahore and Phone No. is 042-5845205.
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| World Children’s Day with PUR 1/3/2008
PUR team took another initiative on World Children’s day on Nov, 20th,2007 at childrens ward, DHQ Hospital Faisalabad. The childrens ward was decorated with balloons and Baby Active and PUR posters and banners. Cartoon movie was also arranged for the Doctors, families and exclusively for the Childrens inside ward. In the end of the movie small toys were also given to the childrens who correctively answered the questions regarding cartoon movie. Doctors appreciated the activity and expressed gratitude for organizing such activities at hospitals for deserving childrens.
For further information please contact Mr Zia Ul Haq at ziaulhaq@greenstar.org.pk
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| Strengthening Private Partnership 1/3/2008
GREENSTAR and UNFPA arranged a mutually collaborated training workshop on FP-Advance for Paramedics (LHVs) in district KOHAT from 4th-6th December 2007. Conference Hall of district Govt. Kohat was the venue arranged by UNFPA.
The training manuals, certificates and Trainers were arranged by Greenstar while logistic and financial part was shared by UNFPA. The recruitment of providers was equally shared by both the partners- (50% selected and invited by each) 10 successful participants were certified at end of the event. EDO-Health (KOHAT) Dr.Shaad Ali visited and monitored this event and expressed his satisfaction on quality of trainings and appreciated the joint efforts by both the partners.
Dr.Saima Ayub-AMHS Peshawar conducted this workshop. FHO-Kohat- Ms.Samina Bibi greatly contributed by helping the AMHS in recruitment of right providers.
For more information please contact Mr. Nayyer Saeed, Senior Manager Operations at nayyersaeed@greenstar.org.pk.
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| World Children’s Day with PUR 1/3/2008
PUR team took another initiative on World Children’s day on Nov, 20th,2007 at childrens ward, DHQ Hospital Faisalabad. The childrens ward was decorated with balloons and Baby Active and PUR posters and banners. Cartoon movie was also arranged for the Doctors, families and exclusively for the Childrens inside ward. In the end of the movie small toys were also given to the childrens who correctively answered the questions regarding cartoon movie. Doctors appreciated the activity and expressed gratitude for organizing such activities at hospitals for deserving childrens.
For further information please contact Mr Zia Ul Haq at ziaulhaq@greenstar.org.pk
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| Greenstar welcomes Dr. Navaid as COO 12/11/2007
Ms. Dana Tilson, Executive Director Greenstar hosted a welcome reception in honor of newly appointed Chief Operating Officer. Dr.Navaid Ali, Head of Marketing and Consumer Health Services has taken the charge as Chief Operating Officer at Greenstar Social Marketing. Dr. Navaid has more than twenty years professional experience in medicine, marketing, sales, public health, and private sector franchise management. Greenstar Board of Directors and the GS family has confidence that Greenstar's work with the government and all our partners and stakeholders will continue in the positive spirit of collaboration under his leadership.
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| PSI Wins 2nd Social Capitalist Award 12/4/2007
Population Services International (PSI) has been named a Social Capitalist Award Winner for the second consecutive year by Fast Company magazine and the Monitor Group. For this award organizations are rated on five critical components: social impact, entrepreneurship , innovation, aspiration and growth, and sustainability, based on an application that included two years of operating and audited financial data, statement of mission and objectives, and answers to a survey to assess strategy and activities.
PSI, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., harnesses the vitality of the private sector and applies it to health problems of low-income and vulnerable populations in more than 60 developing countries including Pakistan with programs in malaria, reproductive health, child survival, HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis.
Every day, thousands of women and children in the Pakistan die unnecessarily from poor sanitation, poor nutrition and lack of access to basic information, products and services relating to maternal and child health. Every day, tens of thousands of women who wish to space their births or limit their family size have unintended pregnancies because they lack the means to do so.
Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan which is PSI affiliate is working for more than a decade to improve the quality of life among low-income people through social marketing of health products and services. Greenstar works in the areas of family planning service and product provision, TB DOTS, maternal and neonatal health and child health.
For further details please contact Victor Lara at victor@greenstar.org.pk
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| World Aids Day 12/1/2007
December 1st marks the world HJIV/AIDS day, a day that reminds us of how vulnerable we are as a society of HIV/AIDS. Several National and International organizations are working to prevent HIV. Greenstar being an active implementing partner with National Aids Control Programme (NACP) observed World Aids Day across all Greenstar Regions.
Greenstar South region team carried out awareness walk on World Aids Day in collaboration with District Health Department, Hyderabad. The awareness walk started from Gyamkhana to Press club while Greenstar HIV project banners were also used, to aware general community about in-depth causes of HIV/AIDS.
Among participants were senior officials of District Health Department, District Naib Nazim Mr. Zafar Rajput, EDO Health, EDO community Development, Community members, local media persons and Greenstar Regional Staff.
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For further information on Greenstar events please contact Miss Nishat Riaz at nishatriaz@greenstar.org.pk
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| Reaching Juggies in Khanewal 11/30/2007
A great proportion of poor people who are earning less than $2 a day are living in juggies who are deprived of the basic facilities of life. To improve the quality of these poor people Greenstar West region took an extra ordinary initiative in Khanewal to reach the unreachable 1500 Khanabdosh. They planned and organized an interactive awareness session about GoodLife products and activities. The inhabitants were informed about the facility of free clinic sahoolats. At the end of the activity free product samples were distributed. Such awareness sessions, household meetings and IPC activities are part of Greenstar Social health communications.
For further information on IPC activities please contact Dr. Syed Abdul Qayoom at qayoom@greenstar.org.pk
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| Greenstar Signs TB Phase II Agreement 11/25/2007
After complete success of TB project Phase I Global fund has not only appreciated the efforts of Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan but also signed Phase II for the TB project worth $2.1 million. The project will come to end in December 2008.
Dr knut Lonnroth of “ Stop TB Department at WHO Head office in Geneva has not only encouraged but also appreciated the efforts and achievements of Greenstar- GoodLife TB project Phase I” and recognized it as the Pakistan fastest private Health sector, making progress in just one and half year of actual implementation of TB project in the field , 2006.
The main objective of the Nation TB control Programme is to reduce the morbidity and mortality on account of tuberculosis by expanding the TB-DOTS strategy through the private sector and involvement of communities.
GoodLife TB DOT project is implemented by Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan in partnership with National TB control Programme (NTP) and Ministry of Health (MOH) through a franchised network of private practitioners.
The Pilot Intervention encompasses training of private providers, recruitment and training of field staff and treatment of supporters, development and implementation of targeted Behavior Change Communication (BCC) strategy and DOTS through social franchising and referral networking and monitoring and evaluation of the strategy and effectiveness. Piloting of this intervention was carried out initially in two cities and subsequently increased to five due to the unbelievable achievements.
Dr. Abdul Khalique Ghauri informed that almost 17992 cases were registered -90% of the cumulative target for this period; more than 62% (11182) are New Sputum Smear Positive cases- the target was 45% of the total registered cases, 933 Clinics have been franchised in 5 cities, 987 private practitioners have been trained on TB DOTS, around 18,00 non prescribing service delivers including Treatment Supporters, volunteers, paramedics and project staff were trained in suspect identification , case referrals , case holding /treatment compliance/ follow up, contact screening , IPC and other community mobilization activities etc, while total target was 1,000, so far 5224 patients have successfully completed their treatment with more than 86% Treatment Success Rate; including 4354 New Sputum Positive Cases with more than 87% Treatment Success Rate.
The potential and effectiveness of the project interventions have also been duly endorsed by the External Review Mission comprised of national & international evaluators including the consultants.
For more information on GoodLife TB Dot project please contact Dr.Haroon Ibrahim at haroonibrahim@greenstar.org.pk
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| “Health Mela at Rohtas Fort” 11/25/2007
Mary Skarie addressed the participants that the government would continue to support Pakistan in its efforts for strengthening health care delivery systems and meetings the MDGs while Dr. Nabeela chief of party, PAIMAN acknowledge all the partners, USAID, and ministry of health for their continued support.
The Pakistan Initiative and Newborn (PAIMAN); a USAID funded project to organized a “Health Mela” at Rohtas Fort, Jhelum on November 8, 2007.
The event was very impressive, well organized, purpose oriented and useful activity.
There was enormous participation by the community, local health department, PAIMAN partners, Health Secretary Khushnood Lashari (Chief Guest), USAID Director Health, Mary Skarie and other helping hands in this noble cause.
Describing the neonatal and maternal health as one of the top priorities of Pakistan’s health policy, Mr. Lashari said the country will be able to reduce maternal and infant mortality and ultimately achieve the millennium Development Goals through implementation of the Rs. 19.9 billion National MNCH Programme.
All partners contributed by setting their
stalls and displaying the achievements of PAIMAN. For PAIMAN partners at
National, Provincial and District level (including NGOs/CBOs), this
activity have given a sense of TEAM striving to achieve a common
objective. Lady Health Workers from all over the Jhelum District and
families from Rohtas and Jhelum participated in a huge number. For the amusement of participants a stage play and a big musical concert was also organized by PAIMAN.
For maintaining the interest of participants in Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan’s stall, an activity “Lucy Draw” was arranged by the Greenstar Jhelum staff, in which a foam with few questions were filled by the them and in the end the winner was given a gift hamper by a senior member of the Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan.
For more information on Health Mela at Rohtas Fort contact Dr. Haris Ahmad at harisahmad@greenstar.org.pk
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| Orientation on STIs to transvestites (Hijras) 11/25/2007
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are passed on from person to person, through intimate sexual contact. STIs include chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhoea. They can be passed on during vaginal, anal and oral sexual intercourse, as well as through genital contact with an infected partner. Practicing safe sex is the most effective way of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Greenstar Inter personal Communication (IPC) North team took an initiative, and contacted few Leaders of Hijras in Peshawar to orient and educate them on the following points:
• Learn about STIs, HIV/AIDS.
• Get tested for STIs if sexually active.
• Use condoms consistently and correctly.
The main purpose of this activity was to spread STI and Protection awareness in all vulnerable groups of the Society, especially in NWFP, where they do not enjoy same level of acceptance.
All the participants enjoyed the orientation and also shared their concerns in the end.
For more details contact Nayyer Saeed at nayyersaeed@greenstar.org.pk
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| “PuR Ka Ramadan” 11/20/2007
"PuR Ka Ramadan” was yet another initiative by Greenstar West region in which a mega activity was organized with more than 70 mothers and children. The activity was conducted in a remote area of Multan, 'Muzafarabad', where drinking water is contaminated.
All participants enjoyed the demo of PuR purification and water treatment process after which a brief presentation was made.
For more details on PUR contact Sobia Raja at sobiaraja@greenstar.org.pk
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| Eid Mubarak 10/12/2007
Greenstar wishes you a happy and prosperous Eid.
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| Khanewal babies to be active 9/21/2007
Khanewal babies to be active
Baby Active program at a Church in Khanewal
The Khanewal zone organized a Baby Active program on the 1st of September 2007 at a church contacting one hundred and twenty babies through their mothers. The topic of detail at the forum was malnutrition amongst babies. Women and children were invited to attend a small program held at the church by the local town administration. Each participant was presented with a gift pack containing ten Baby Active sachets, one snack size biscuit packet and toffees for the babies. The activity was well organized and interactive. This activity is directed towards prescription generation and the increase of intake of Baby Active amongst infants between the ages of six to twenty four months in Khanewal.
For more information on Baby Active, please contact Ms. Sobia Raja at sobiaraja@greenstar.org.pk
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| GS reaches out to flood affected communities 8/27/2007
The unexpected flash floods of July 2007 have adversely affected different districts of Southern Punjab and border districts of Balochistan and Sindh.
As a socially responsible organization, Greenstar joined hands with all partners to augment their efforts and provide support to them through donations and subsidy of Greenstar products.
• Greenstar has established a Flood Relief Response Team with two senior persons on board.
• Greenstar at Program Support Unit participated in different coordination meetings organized by both the GOP and UN agencies, to gather as much information as possible to understand the needs of the community
• To ensure that the flood affected population has the availability of clean and safe drinking water is always a challenge for all relief agencies. Greenstar, in this context offered provision of PUR sachets to all partners of this response.
• Greenstar has been extended support to the deserving communities through government and non government organizations. In addition to technical support provided by Greenstar doctors, flood relief and counseling teams, around 1 million sachets of PUR, 25,000 Clean Delivery Kits and 3,000 Glucose ‘D’ satches have been provided to the affected areas through Ministry of Population Welfare (MOPW), Mercy Corps, IFRC, Patel Hospital, Thardeep and other partner organizations. Greenstar is collaborating with UNICEF to distribute 1 million Sachets of PUR to provide safe drinking water to the affected communities.
Greenstar is grateful to all partners for the support in reaching to the deserving populations.
For more information on Greenstar flood relief activities, please contact Dr. Haris Ahmed at harisahmed@greenstar.org.pk
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| Certificate Distribution of private doctors 8/27/2007
Health professionals play an important role in improving the health of mothers and children and skilled professionals should be encouraged to enhanced their professional expertise, said Ms. Mary.E. Skarie, Health Office Director, US AID/Pakistan at a local hotel on Thursday, 23rd August. She was addressing trainees of a Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan (G) Limited organized Certificate Distribution Ceremony under USAID funded PAIMAN project.
Under the same project 42 Private Health Care Providers have been trained on “Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care” by renowned gynecologist Prof. Dr. Ghazala Mahmood, Program Director, Prof and Head of Obs.& Gyne, Quaid-e-Azam Postgraduate College, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences , Islamabad.
Present on the occasion were Dr. Nabeela Ali, Chief of Party, JSI-PAIMAN,
Professor Dr. Ghazala Mahmood, Program Director, Prof and Head of Obs.& Gyne, Quaid-e-Azam Postgraduate College, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences , Islamabad ,Prof. Dr. Mahmmod Jamal, Head of Department Neonatology, Quaid-e-Azam Postgraduate College, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, representatives from media and trainees of the course.
Dr. Nabeela Ali appreciated Greenstar’s efforts in organizing the training by involving public and private sector. She hoped that the trainees would be able to serve the community with refined and enhanced training skills.
Mr. Asif Jah, Head of Operations, Greenstar expressed his thanks to the trainees, trainers, PAIMAN team and USAID for continuous support to Greenstar.
For more information on CEmONC training and Greenstar activities under PAIMAN project, please contact Dr. Haris Ahmed at harisahmed@greenstar.org.pk
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| World Population Day 7/25/2007
World Population Day was observed nationally on 11 July with the theme ‘Men as Partners for Maternal Health’. Greenstar being an active partner in implementing the national population program observed world population day across all Greenstar regions.
World Population Day activities were carried out in collaboration with relevant government departments and partner organizations. Major activities included awareness walks, community awareness activities including muhallah meetings, advocacy seminars, and talk shows in electronic media.
Greenstar was a major and prominent partner in World Population Day Ceremony held at the Population House at Islamabad. The function was led by Chowdhry Shabaz Hussain, Federal Minister for Population Welfare. Among participants were senior officials of the Ministry, Deputy Country Rep of UNFPA, representatives from the media, NGOs, donor and partner agencies. The function was addressed by the Federal Minister, Federal Secretary Population, Deputy Country Rep. of UNFPA and Director General Technical, MPW. Greenstar’s continuous support was specifically mentioned in all speeches and addresses, appreciating its contribution to the national cause of population welfare and the commitment made to work together in the future as well.
Greenstar being a socially responsible organization, is partnering with several civil and government agencies to help and support the deserving communities in flood affected regions. Greenstar has offered full support to the Ministry of Population Welfare and all provincial welfare departments to be part of the relief activities in all provinces. In a formal gathering on 11th July at Islamabad, Dr. Mumtaz Eksar, Director General Technical, Ministry of Population Welfare acknowledged Greenstar's donation of 50,000 sachets of PuR, 2000 sachets of Glucose-D and 1000 Clean Delivery Kits and also referred to the contribution made in the relief operation of earth quake 2005.
For more information on World Population Day activities and floor relief information, please contact Nishat Riaz at nishatriaz@greenstar.org.pk.
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| GoodLife (GL) boards adding colors 6/26/2007
More than 700 GL providers are putting up colorful GoodLife boards across Pakistan to mark quality healthcare services.
Having achieved significant progress in building the country’s network of private “trustworthy family planning service providers,” Greenstar launched a broader network of private “family healthcare providers” under the brand name “GoodLife.” The GoodLife portfolio addresses a broader spectrum of family health needs – including Maternal and Child Health issues such as Safe Water, Nutrition and Infectious Diseases such as HIV and TB.
For more information on GoodLife Provider Network please contact Aaqib Sayyed at aaqibsayed@greenstar.org.pk
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| Infection Prevention for better health 6/13/2007
Infection prevention practices are crucial to the safety of health workers, individuals obtaining health care, and the communities in which they live. Even with limited staff, equipment, and funds, health care facilities in the developing world can fight deadly diseases such as HIV infection and hepatitis B by following some simple, cost-effective procedures.
Infection prevention and control is deservedly high on the agenda for Greenstar health care providers, staff and decision makers. The recent National Infection Prevention campaign is part of our mission to promote excellence in practice.
Greenstar successfully rolled out the infection prevention campaign across Pakistan through regional offices last month. Zonal and regional staff launched the national campaign by involving all partners including government district health and provincial officials in various meetings and seminars. On special request of district government, Greenstar’s dedicated and committed teams arranged special sessions for “Family Welfare Workers” in Multan. Dr. Shela Baqi Associate Professor Department of Infectious Diseases DOW University Karachi made a presentation on Infection Prevention in Karachi. Similarly, all four regions organized seminars and consultative meetings with relevant partners to promote the cause.
People receiving health and medical care, whether in a hospital or clinic, are
at risk of becoming infected unless precautions are taken to prevent infection.
Nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections are a significant problem throughout the world and are increasing (Alvarado 2000). For example, nosocomial infection rates range from as low as 1% in a few countries in Europe and the Americas to more then 40% in parts of Asia, Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa (Lynch et al 1997).
Most of these infections can be prevented with readily available, relatively
inexpensive strategies by:
• adhering to recommended infection prevention practices, especially hand
hygiene and wearing gloves;
• paying attention to well-established processes for decontamination and
cleaning of soiled instruments and other items, followed by either
sterilization or high-level disinfection; and
• improving safety in operating rooms and other high-risk areas where the
most serious and frequent injuries and exposures to infectious agents occur.
Greenstar being a quality conscious organization encourages infection prevention and is committed to involve key players to achieve the objective.
Infection Prevention campaign kit includes, technical material, informative folder, poster and docudrama for private health care providers. For more details and IEC material please contact Mr. Aaqib Sayed at aaqibsayed@greenstar.org.pk at Greenstar Head Office.
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| Fun Day with Baby Active 5/31/2007
The GoodLife (GL) portfolio addresses a broader spectrum of family health needs – including Maternal and Child Health issues such as Safe Water, Nutrition, Malaria, and Infectious Diseases such as HIV and TB. Under GL brand Greenstar is marketing Baby Active which is a nutritional supplement for infants to protect them from Iodine deficiency among children. Baby active is being marketed in Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Lahore, Multan, Karachi and Hyderabad.
The Multan team organized a picnic for doctors and their families on the 27th of May 2007. The picnic provided a very festive atmosphere for those who were present. Various themed stalls were set up at the picnic spot serving food, games and other fun activities that revolved around families. A lucky draw competition also took place, the result was announced at the end of the event. Various food stalls were also set up. The inauguration of the event was by Ms. Tabassum the PUR DM who welcomed the guests and gave a brief overview of Baby Active. She welcomed all guests and announced the party open. Several entertainment measures were taken, two singers were hired to entertain guests, a comedian, a magician and clowns also entertained the guests. A baby show was held, the three most senior doctors were requested to act as judges for the evening and selected the healthiest babies of all. The event was a great success. Around 70 families attended. All enjoyed the picnic and stressed that it was one of the best activities that took place in Multan.
A similar event took place in Kamalia on the 24th of May 2007. A Baby Show was organized at the Children’s Peads Ward. Renowned doctors of Kamalia and THQ attended the event. A picnic activity was hosted for the attendees after the baby show was completed which was appreciated by the participants. More mothers are paying attention towards maintaining healthy eating habits for their infants after this event and many have promised to take extra measures to ensure their children have healthier lifestyles.
Baby Active is composed of encapsulated iron granules, to masks the metallic taste of the iron, plus other micronutrients (Vit A, C,D, zinc, folic) that enhance iron absorptions & as well as address other iron deficiencies. Baby Active is easy to use by simply mixing into infant’s weaning porridge. They do not affect the color, taste or smell of the food. It’s launched at a highly affordable price of Rs.2 per sachet.
More than 60% of infants 6-24 months in Pakistan suffer from iron deficiency anemia. Proper iron intake is more important during infancy (6-24 months) than any other stage of life, and anemia during infancy results in poor cognitive & delayed motor development (which may not be reversible) & decrease resistance to illness & disease. Globally, iron deficiency in the 6-24 months age group is impairing the mental development of 40-60% of the developing world’s children. In Pakistan, infants 6-24 months are traditionally weaned on a low nutrition, starch based porridge, without the diversity of iron rich foods (mostly meat) needed to prevent anemia. In fact, worldwide it is difficult for dietary sources alone to provide the iron an infant needs-hence Gerber rice, wheat, corn, infant cereals- with iron. For decades, giving infants iron drops was the intervention to treat & prevent infant & child anemia. However, compliance has always been low due to bad taste, teeth staining, & inconvenience for parents to administer. Baby Active is a novel approach of home fortification to improve the iron and other micronutrient content of weaning foods that are cooked at home.
For more information on Baby Active, please contact Ms. Sobia Raja at sobiaraja@greenstar.org.pk at Program Support Department, Islamabad.
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| Free TB treatment at the door step 5/25/2007
Pakistan has the seventh highest TB burden in the world, with an estimated prevalence of 177/100,000. Around 1.5 million people are living with the disease in the country. Despite the extraordinary efforts of the government and partners, case detection still remains at 39 percent, well below the global target of 70 percent.
In partnership with National TB Control Program (NTP), Ministry of Health, Greenstar (GS) is implementing one of the Global Fund Round 3 supported projects on TB DOTS through a franchised network of private practitioners – the GoodLife TB DOTS Network -- in 5 major cities ; Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Quetta.
Greenstar’s efforts to eradicate TB have been appreciated by the community, local and district governments, funding agencies, implementing partners and media on several occasions. Recently, Sada-e-Lyari, a monthly local paper conducted a special interview of Greenstar’s Dr. Abid Sheikh and supervisors Mr. Abdul Hafeez and Mr. Abdul Rehman to acknowledge their efforts and commitment for treating TB patients in Lyari Town. Town Nazim and Lyari Municipal Corporation highly appreciated GoodLife and invited the dedicated team for an exclusive interview.
The objective of Greenstar’s TB program is to create greater knowledge and provide increased access to high quality TB/DOTS information, testing and treatment through a private sector clinic franchise network (GoodLife TB DOTS) in 5 major urban areas.
For more information on GoodLife TB DOTS Network, please contact Dr. Abdul Khalique Ghauri, Senior Manager Communicable Diseases at program Support Department.
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| Promising Healthy Mothers on Mother’s Day 5/14/2007
Mother's Day is celebrated to honor all mothers and express gratitude for the hardships they bear in bringing up a child.
Greenstar observed Mothers Day by providing quality health care advice, services and products in Gujranwala, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Jhang, Khanewal, Silakot, Kamalia, Shorkot, Gojra, Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan in all four regions. Greenstar’s committed team reached to Pakhiwas and khanabadosh communities (Indigenous Minorities ) in Khanewal for free counseling on health issues. In addition, special health activities were carried out for mothers at government hospitals, provider clinics, health units including exclusive Clinic Sahoolat (Free Clinic) services. Greenstar’s committed Inter Personal Communications (IPC) teams provided free counseling to mothers through out the week from 08 May to 14 May. Special gifts were distributed among patients in Gyne wards of District Hospitals in Gojra, Sialkot, Karachi and Lahore.
Greenstar believes in providing quality health services and products to Pakistani mothers to help build a healthier nation. For more information on Greenstar’s services on Mother and Child Health please contact Dr. Haris Ahmed at harisahmed@greenstar.org.pk.
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| Greenstar at Khidmat-e-Adam Trust Medical Camp 4/30/2007
Greenstar team provided all day counseling to more than five hundred visitors on family health issues including Family Planning, TB, and Mother and Child Health during a grand medical camp arranged by Khidmat-e-Adam Trust in Korangi, Karachi on 22nd April. Greenstar doctors and Interpersonal Communication (IPC) teams provided free of cost counseling services to hundreds of visitors including women, youngsters and men.
Representatives from Government, NGOs, and partner organisations appreciated Greenstar’s efforts for reaching out to the clients. Among several visitors, District Population Officer (DPO), Syed Noor Ahmed Shah visited both Greenstar and GoodLife stalls and appreciated Greenstar commitment to provide quality health products and services to common Pakistanis.
The focus of Greenstar’s communications is to motivate and create awareness among low-income Pakistani women and men for health services and products. This is achieved through mass media campaigns on television, radio, newspapers, billboards, public relations, Clinic Sahoolats (Free Clinics), mohalla (neighborhood) meetings, and seminars.
For more information on the event, please contact Mr.Mansoor Ahmed Soomro, Senior Manager Operations, Korangi Zone, Regional Office South.
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| Greenstar Reaches out to Female Prisoners 4/20/2007
Pakistan’s maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity rates are high despite an extensive health service network. This is due primarily to the fact that providers – especially female providers – are not available at health facilities, resulting in gross under-utilization. The situation worsens when we consider public facilities like jails, prisons and welfare homes for females. There is not only a lack of jails for women and juveniles as they are often housed in male jails, but there are no appropriate health facilities afforded to them.
With support from the USAID-sponsored PAIMAN project, Greenstar launched an initiative to extend MNH Services beyond its routine operations to reach out to the females and juveniles in jails.
There is no provision of a lady Medical Officer at the Central Jail for Women and Juveniles in Sukkur. Female patients largely depend on medicines, which are brought to them by their relatives. Dr. Kashif, Manager Operations, Greenstar Office, Sukkur met Jail Superintendent Mr. Manzoor Ahmed, and successfully convinced him to allow Greenstar to conduct a Clinic Sahoolat (or free clinic) under PAIMAN, within the jail’s premises.
Dr. Mehwish Mubbarak – also Greenstar staff -- conducted a Clinic Sahoolat at Central Jail, Sukkur on December 29, 2006. Twenty-six (26) patients benefited from this clinic. The clinic was witnessed by the EDO Health, Dr. Agha Ashfaque as well as the Jail Superintendent.
Farzana a 19 year old prisoner was 4 months pregnant and during her antenatal checkup by Dr. Mehwish, she was immunized for tetanus and her antenatal card was initiated. Taking the opportunity, Dr. Mehwish and Dr. Kashif convinced the EDO Health and the Superintendent Jail to allow Farzana to have a regular antenatal checkup at the DHQ Hospital and make arrangements for her to have her delivery at there. Mr. Manzoor Ahmed committed that he would comply with the request of the lady doctor and also suggested that Greenstar should continue with this service.
With generous support from the donors and government, Greenstar is committed to provide quality health services to the most underserved communities in Pakistan.
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| PSI in Commonwealth Health 4/18/2007
PSI's article on FP programs that features Pakistan, Nigeria, and Congo appeared in a handbook distributed to all British Commonwealth Health Ministers last summer in 2006. Please follow the link to download the complete article or contact David J. Olson, Director of Public Affairs
Email: dolson@psi.org for more information.
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| Clean Delivery Kits (CDKs) reach Khanewal 4/9/2007
District Coordination Officers at Khanewal and DG Khan presented Greenstar Clean Delivery Kits (CDKs) to midwives and Traditional Birth Attendants during two mega health events recently.
On request of local government, Greenstar has provided 20,000 CDKs on subsidized rates to Khanewal and DG Khan District Governments.
Greenstar, under PAIMAN arranged two mega health events at Khanewal and DG Khan on 3 and 4 April, 2007 respectively. These events were organised in collaboration with district governments, local health departments,PAIMAN consortium members and sub-grantees. Both events were held at Public Health Nursing Schools while DG Khan district government hosted another similar event at local zila council hall on 4th April.
All three events focused on better mother and new born health and a large number of audience attended the informative program.
Dr. Nabeela Ali, Chief of party, PAIMAN-JSI appreciated Greenstar’s role play on Clean and Safe Delivery Practices. Chief of Party PAIMAN, District Coordination Officers, Executive District Officer Health, Midwives, Nurses, Govt. officials, DHQ Hospital Doctors, Press Information Directors, representatives of media and local community attended these events.
District Nazims, District Coordination Officers and Executive District Officers expressed their thanks to Greenstar for providing CDKs to help reduce Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Mother Mortality Rate (MMR) in Pakistan.
For more information please contact Dr. Haris Ahmed at PSU, Islamabad.
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| World Water Day 3/30/2007
The World Water Day, 2007, was observed internally on Thursday, 22 March. To mark the day, Greenstar arranged programmes including group discussions, walks and participated in seminars arranged by the government. The purpose was to increase awareness of ways to cope with the water scarcity and the water-borne diseases.
An impressive campaign was organised by Greenstar Central Region in Faisalabad. Greenstar team informed that globally, diarrheal diseases lead to an estimated 4 billion cases every year. While in Pakistan, less than 30% have access to safe drinking water. About 40% of diseases in Pakistan are water borne and more than 3 million people fall victim to diseases every year due to water contamination. About 200,000 Pakistani children under the age of 5 die due to diarrhea.
School children and mothers were informed about GoodLife product “PUR”, which purifies drinking water while retaining its natural ingredients. On the spot PUR sampling attracted hundreds of school going children.
World Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The UN General Assembly designated March 22 as the World Day for Water.
The current year’s theme is Coping with Water Scarcity. The theme highlights the significance of cooperation and importance of an integrated approach to water-resource management at both international and local levels.
For more information on Safe Drinking Water, please contact Ms. Sobia Raja, Program Manager, PSU, Islamabad or email at sobiaraja@greenstar.org.pk
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| World TB Day 3/29/2007
Pakistan ranks seventh among the 22 high-burden tuberculosis countries worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global TB Report 2006. Every year, approximately 280,000 people in Pakistan (primarily adults in their productive years) develop TB, a bacterial infection that spreads through inhalation and primarily affects the lungs. Left untreated, it may disseminate to other body organs like intestines, bones, meninges (Brain covering sheeth), skin, lymph nodes, reproductive organs (may lead to infertility) etc
TB remains Pakistan’s leading cause of death among infectious diseases. It carries a social stigma because of its link with poverty and overcrowded living conditions.
Greenstar (GS) is implementing one of the Global Fund Round 3 supported projects in 5 major cities of Pakistan including Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Quetta, in partnership with National TB Control Program (NTP), Ministry of Health. The objective of this program is to create greater knowledge and provide increased access to high quality TB-DOTS information, testing and treatment through a private sector clinic franchise network of 1,000 practitioners – the GoodLife Stop TB Network. During the last one year, around 11,000 TB patients were registered out of which more than 1,000 have successfully completed their treatment.
Greenstar observed the World TB day in coordination with Provincial TB programs (PTPs) on 24th March through organizing a number of events nationally. GS representatives participated in awarness raising Walks, Seminars, TV Talk Shows,Radio discussions and Receptions to the Cured patients in all four GS regions.
Greenstar complements government’s initiatives to improve quality of health services across Pakistan and ensures full support to help achieve the noble cause.
For more information, please contact Dr. Abdul Khalique Ghuari, Senior Manager Communicable Diseases , PSU, Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan (G) Limited at 092-51-2280713 ext.2135 or abdulkhalique@greenstar.org.pk.
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| PSI President Visits Greenstar Offices in Pakistan 3/19/2007
Population Services International (PSI) President and Chief Executive Officer , Karl Hoffman and Senior Vice President and Regional Director, Asia, David Reene visited Greenstar North and South regional offices last week.
Greenstar hosted a welcome reception in honor of the PSI senior management on Saturday 10 march in Islamabad. Mr. Hoffman visited Greenstar field areas and met providers, patients and witnessed a Clinic Sahoolat actvity. They also had a chance to talk with TB City Coordinators and meet some TB patients too in Karachi.
The president and the SVP both were impressed with Greenstar field activities and appreciated the dedicated professional strength of the company.
PSI is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. that harnesses the vitality of the private sector to address the health problems of low-income and vulnerable populations in more than 60 developing countries. With programs in malaria, reproductive health, child survival and HIV, PSI promotes products, services and healthy behavior that enable low-income and vulnerable people to lead healthier lives.
PSI programs span the globe in more than 60 countries, each offering creative interventions appropriate to the specific health needs and cultural setting of each country. Greenstar Social Marketing is the local affiliate of PSI in Pakistan since 1991.
For more information on PSI please visit www.psi.org. or contact Dr. Victor Lara, Senior Technical Advisor, at Program Support Unit, Greenstar Social Marketing.
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| Greenstar Kiosk on the awareness of HIV/AIDS 3/15/2007
Greenstar’s kiosk at the Mela of Bhitt Shah was one of the most informative stall which attracted a large number of visitors. Greenstar organised a kiosk for HIV/AIDS awareness in coordination with Sindh Aids Control Program (SACP) on the URS mela.
In addition to Greenstar staff, Mr. Muhammad Moosa Qazi , SACP represented the stall of SACP and distributed relevant publications and IEC material to the visitors.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz inaugurated 263rd annual Urs of Sindh’s great Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (RA) on Sunday, 4 March 2007. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, after his arrival in Bhit Shah laid floral wreath at Mazar of Shah Bhittai (RA) and formally inaugurated the Urs celebrations.
Every year thousand pilgrims visit his shrine at Bhit Shah and pay homage to the great poet.
For more information on Greenstar HIV/AIDS program please contact Dr.Tufail Ahmed, Project Manager, HIV/AIDS prevention project for FSWs in Hyderabad at South Regional Office.
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| Recognising Committment and Dedication 3/9/2007
Greenstar expresses profound gratitude to the Ministry of Population Welfare, Government of Pakistan for acknowledging the services of three late GS doctors, who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash last year on 11 July 2006.
A certificate of commendation and a shield was given by the Ministry of Population Welfare to three GS doctors.
Mr. Asif Jah, Head of Operations presented the certificates and shields recently, to the fathers of the late doctors of Multan (Humaira Ashraf late) and Khanewal (Farheen Fatima late).
Committment and services of these doctors were highly acknowledged by the Prime Minister of Pakistan,Senior officials of the Government of Paksitan and several national and international organisations by offering mass Fatehah and conferred Posthumous Awards on World Populaton day, 11 July 2006 at the Convention Centre, Islamabad.
For more information, please contact Nishat Riaz at Greenstar Regional Office, Islamabad.
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| 21 Greenstar-PAIMAN Trained Birth Attendants will help reduce IMR and MMR in Baluchistan 3/2/2007
“Government acknowledges the great support Greenstar is rendering to help improve the health indicators of Pakistan”, said Mr. Anwar Rojha Thasil Nazim Bella. He was addressing newly trained TBAs, Government officials and local media representatives during a Certificate Distribution Ceremony of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in Bela, Baluchistan on 24th Feb, 07. He assured government’s full support to promote and strengthen the public private partnership and reduce the IMR & MMR in the far flung areas of Balochistan.
Zainab Bibi and Mai Sakina, two course trainees, shared their past experiences and how the technical training has enhanced their skills. Jannu, one of the senior TBA thanked Greenstar for introducing Clean Start Delivery Kits (CDKs), which contains all essential materials that are required for a clean and normal delivery. At the same time TBAs also learnt that the kit will be soon available at all chemist shops, rural shops, non-governmental organizations and community based organizations throughout Pakistan.
Greenstar Social Marketing), in association with the Pakistan Initiative for Mothers and Newborns (PAIMAN), funded by the United States Agency for international Development (USAID) has trained around 200 TBAs from Jhelum, Sukhar, Bela and Jafferabad. Greenstar plans to train 400 TBAs in future.
For more information on PAIMAN and TBA training please contact Dr. Haris Ahmed (harisahmed@greenstar.org.pk) at Program Support Unit, Islamabad.
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| Expanding GoodLife Network 2/28/2007
South Region arranged an impressive GoodLife Silver Agreement signing ceremony in Karachi on 22nd February 2007 at a local hotel in Karachi. This event resulted in adding 93 additional Silver Providers to the existing GL Network.
GM Operations-South welcomed the private medical practitioners who had successfully completed all training modules to qualify as GoodLife Silver provider and wished them success in joining the prestigious program.
One of the GL providers shared her expectations and past experience of working with GS and how the GoodLife trainings enhanced her clinical skills.
Chief Guest Dr.Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Chairperson, Child & Mother Health Care Committee, Karachi City District Government spoke high of Greenstar services and assured her full support to promote the public private partnership with the objective of reducing the IMR & MMR in Pakistan.
For more information please contact Hasnain Abbas at Regional Office South.
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| Member Planning Commission visits GS clinics 2/13/2007
Mr.Jalil Minhas, Member Planning Commission, Islamabad visited GS clinics in Lahore on 3rd February 2007. GS regional team arranged a detailed visit to meet with trained GS providers, observe Clinic Sahoolat as part of GS community mobilization activity and a Chest Clinic, of the TB project.
Dr. Laila Gardezi lead the GS team and accompanied Mr. Minhas through out the visit. Mr.Minhas expressed keen interest in “getting private sector providers trained at the PWDs, RTI centers and GS staff imparting trainings at the RTI (and other Govt training centers) as he strongly believed that trainings offered by GS is a great initiative and should be assisted by the Govt”.
Mr. Minhas discussed behavior change among FP clients with the GS provider Mrs. Safia Jalal. She shared that people have started accepting FP and now people come with pre-decided methods and are more trusting of FP methods. However, more GS efforts are needed to focus on the community education and awareness. Mr.Minhas interacted with FP clients. They informed that there is a growing trend to seek spacing facilities and GS is a recognized and well respected name for FP.
Mr. Minhas visited Chest Clinic at Zarar Shaheed Trust hospital bordering Burki area. Fifteen potential patients were also present who were referred by two LHWs of the area. Mr. Minhas discussed the issues and assured government’s support. He appreciated the co-effort of GS and the Govt sector in identifying TB patients and offering free treatment. Dr. Afshan Amen, MSP briefed him about the project. The owner of the hospital and mother of Zarar Shaheed, requested GS for setting up a GS center at the hospital.
Greenstar supports the government’s national plan in health, filling in the gaps where private sector is doing the job. 70% of Pakistanis obtain their health care from the private sector.
For more information of the visit, please contact Greenstar Central Regional Office, Lahore.
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| Government of Pakistan, Greenstar and the German Government launched a joint initiative that will help improve the lives of people in NWFP, Pakistan 2/6/2007
Pakistan’s indicators for Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health do not compare favorably with other countries in the South East Asian Region. Greenstar is committed to contributing to the Millennium Developmental Goals for Pakistan through a new project in NWFP by enlisting the support of Population Welfare Department, Government of NWFP to achieve the project goals/objectives of better health for mothers and Children of the province. The project aims to, reduce the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR, Improve the general health of mothers and children in NWFP and Support the Government’s commitment for a healthier Pakistan especially for the under served. In order to formulate the project strategy, Greenstar organised an inception meeting for the project on 2nd February 2007 in Bhurbun. Mr. Kashif Azam Chisti, Provincial Minister for Population Welfare presided the meeting. Mr. Noor Nawaz Khan, Director General Population briefed the participants about reproductive health situation in NWFP. Mr. Mian Moazzam Shah, DG (Programs), Ministry of Population Welfare spoke on the need for social marketing to improve the health indicators in Pakistan. The meeting was attended by a large number of officials from Population Welfare Department, NWFP. The three year health project has been funded by the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW.
For detailed information please contact: Ms. Sobia Raja Manager Reproductive Health Greenstar Social Marketing House No:1-A Street No: 8 Sector F-8/3, Islamabad Ph # 051-2256068, 2280713, 2851745, 2853123, 2852908, Fax # 051-2264261
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| Expanding Health Impact 1/26/2007
More than one billion people still lack access to safe water, despite billions of dollars spent on water infrastructure in the developing world. Each year around the world, an estimated 3-5 billion episodes of diarrhea result in about 3 million deaths. While in Pakistan, less than 30% have access to safe drinking water where nearly 40% of diseases in Pakistan are water borne. About 200,000 Pakistani children under the age of 5 die due to diarrhea.
To address this critical problem, Greenstar Social Marketing under the brand of GoodLife markets PUR-safe water treatment product — innovative, practical and cost-efficient water quality interventions appropriate for the developing world like Pakistan.
Like other regions, West region, launched a campaign to provide safe drinking water to the children of West Punjab. In the first phase, more than 23 schools were visited by PUR team during December. 2,2,54 young children from Multan became part of the PUR Soldier network, which is expanding nationally day by day. In addition GSM direct marketing officer conducted 62 GoodLife parties in the same vicinities and contacted 629 women of the same area to educate mothers about childrens’ health and hygiene.
For more information on Safe Water and PUR please visit www.psi.org.pk
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| JSI Vice President Meets GS Team 1/25/2007
Theo Lippeveld, Vice President JSI and Dr. Nabeela Ali, Chief Of Party JSI-PAIMAN, visited Greenstar Head office at Karachi on January 18, 2007 for a coordination meeting. Dr. Haris Ahmed, Senior Manager MNCH, GSM, presented progress on GS activties in PAIMAN.
JSI team appreciated the efforts of Greenstar in PAIMAN and reiterated that JSI was confident that Greenstar would achieve its objectives and make an impact in the MNCH in the target Districts.Chief Of Party especially appreciated the Branding guidelines that were followed by Greenstar.
Imran Zafar, Chief Exceutive Officer GSM, Dr. Navaid Ali (DN), GM Health Services and Dr Iftikhar Ahmed Mallah (IM), FOM JSI Sindh
were also present in the meeting.
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| Greenstar hosts a dinner 1/24/2007
A dinner was hosted on Tuesday, 23 January, 2007 in honor of the KfW Mission, Government of Germany, Senior Medical Advisor Dr. Joachim Schuurmann, Project Manager Health, Mr. Nicolai Tust and the Country Representative, Dr. Pervaiz Naeem. Prominent representatives from various Ministries (Population Welfare, Health, EAD, Prime Minister Secretariat, Planning and Development Division, NIPs, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Communication and Finance) attended the dinner that was held in Islamabad. Among others; the list includes Donors such as the USAID/JSI, Police Department, Islamabad Capital Territory, Utility Stores Corporation and Greenstar representatives. Upon arrival of the Minister Population Welfare Mr. Chaudry Shahbaz Hussain, a scrumptious dinner was served. Various issues were discussed and informal commitments were made during the hours. The dinner continued till late hours which confirm the success of a fine job done by the hosts/ organizers.
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| Interview with Federal Minister Population Welfare, Government of Pakistan Mr. Ch. Shahbaz Hussain 1/20/2007
NR: MoPW has seen significant changes under your leadership. Would you like to share some of your major accomplishments and new initiatives?
CSH: Though the Ministry has achieved major mile stones, I feel this is for the first time that we have tried to bridge the gap between the common Pakistani and the ministry. We have involved all key players in decision making process. For example, the Ministry has been inviting religious leaders, scholars, educated youth, public representatives, labor leaders and also non government organisations to discuss important issues.
We have also increased public awareness on relevant issues through targeted and focused advocacy and media campaigns.
NR: How do you see the Impact of Population Welfare Programs in Pakistan? Where do we stand in comparison to our regional counterparts?
CSH: We are trying to improve the efficacy of our programs, including family planning and mother and child health initiatives. I can see a fruitful and long term impact in the years to come, as we have tried to reach all segments of the society. As I said earlier, we have invited all walks of life and most importantly youth will play a major role in population control and in improving the health conditions of our society in the coming years.
We have given a gender balanced approach to all programs by equally involving men and women. You can see our male community mobilizers and workers, two and half years ago, there you could only see female workers.
South East Asia is affected by the heavy burden of population and we share some common problems with our neighboring countries. We have organized events and platforms where we learn from each other and the ministry is trying to learn from the experiences from other regions. And let me share that our neighboring countries are also keen to replicate our success stories and learn from Pakistan.
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| Dissemination Seminar on Emergency Contraception Pilot Project 1/20/2007
Dr. Donya Aziz, Parliamentary Secretary for Population Welfare was the Chief Guest. Dr. Donya congratulated Greenstar for providing affordable and quality health care services in Pakistan. She said that emergency contraception is part of the family planning and reproductive health spectrum and it should be integrated with public health services. She informed that the government is developing curriculum for the male advisory centers and invited private sector for technical assistance. Dr. Donya very clearly appreciated the efforts of Greenstar for reaching out to the poor and providing affordable health products and services.
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| Greenstar expanding nationally 1/20/2007
Trying to reach out to the most underserved and needy areas, Greenstar has established a new regional office in Multan on 06 December 2006. In addition to the already existing three regional offices, with more than 32 zonal teams, the new region will be called West Punjab region. West region will cover Multan, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, DG Khan, DI Khan, Rahim Yar Khan and Mianwali.
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| Greenstar donates 50 Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) to Society for Human Empowerment and Rural Development (SHER). 1/19/2007
Imran Zafar, Chief Executive Officer, Greenstar Social Marketing and GoodLife (Guarantee) Limited presented fifty Insecticide Treated Nets to the Chief Executive Officer of SHER.
These ITNs are to be used in a recently established a centre for the orphan and poor children of District Khushab called SHER Ghar. At present there are 50 children being brought up in SHER Ghar.
According to the World Health Organisation, “Trials have shown that use of insecticide-treated nets protect sleeping children from being bitten by mosquitoes, resulting in dramatic reductions in malaria-related deaths among children under five”.
Results from large-scale trials in The Gambia, Kenya and Ghana showed that treating nets with biodegradable pyrethroid insecticide added to their efficacy and helped save lives.
Col. Mohd. Sadiq, CEO SHER expressed his thanks to Greenstar and GoodLife for donating a much needed tool to combat malaria amongst children. “We are pleased to establish a long-term relationship with GoodLife”, said the CEO SHER Ghar.
For more information on ITNs, please visit www.psi.org and www.who.int.
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| Greenstar at First Health Expo 2006, Islamabad 1/19/2007
Greenstar Social Marketing with it’s sister concern GoodLife, actively participated in First Health Expo held in Islamabad from 29 -30 November 2006.
President of Pakistan, Gen. Musharraf together with Federal Minister of Health, Nasir Khan and Federal Minister of PW, Ch: Shahbaz Hussain visited GS stall after the inaugural ceremony. Greenstar representatives briefed the President about Greenstar’s contribution for improving the lives of low income Pakistanis.
Both stalls received remarkable attraction from a large number of visitors, including high government and non government officials, doctors, youth, partner organisations and general public.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Health, Government of Pakistan for showcasing Pakistani and foreign Pharma and Surgical Goods industries, medical equipment & accessories manufacturers. Health expo also highlighted the achievements and advances of medical education, and medical services provided in the country.
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