Pakistan calls for renewed immunization commitment

Pakistan has called for a renewed national commitment to immunization as the world observes World Immunization Week from April 24 to 30

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Apr, 2026) Pakistan has called for a renewed national commitment to immunization as the world observes World Immunization Week from April 24 to 30.

Highlighting the importance of protecting every child against vaccine-preventable diseases, the week is being observed under the theme “For Every Generation, Vaccines Work."

The week underscores the critical role of vaccines in safeguarding individuals, families, and communities while strengthening public health systems.

The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) emphasized the critical role vaccines play in protecting individuals and communities, urging parents and stakeholders to ensure that every child receives complete and timely vaccinations.

“Routine immunization is the foundation of a healthy nation,” said Dr Musa Khan, Director General EPI, stressing that full vaccination not only protects individual children but also strengthens community resilience against disease outbreaks.

Pakistan’s immunization programme currently protects children against 13 vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, polio, hepatitis B, and pneumonia.

Despite progress, officials acknowledged that coverage gaps remain, particularly in high-risk and underserved areas.

The country has, however, made remarkable strides in polio eradication, achieving a more than 99.8% reduction in cases—from around 20,000 annually in the 1990s to just one reported case so far in 2026.

“Pakistan is closer than ever to ending polio, but the final phase requires collective effort,” said Ayesha Farooq, Prime Minister’s Focal Point for Polio, urging parents to ensure participation in every vaccination campaign.

Health authorities called on community leaders, religious scholars, and civil society to support vaccination teams and help reach every child, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Officials stressed that sustained commitment to routine immunization and polio vaccination remains essential to protecting children and building a healthier, more resilient Pakistan.