Pakistan does not attain its complete immunization objectives despite expending billions annually.
Despite expending billions of rupees each year on its immunization initiative, Pakistan has not attained complete vaccine coverage for children.
The Director General of Immunization stated that even significant global health initiatives have not completely achieved this objective.
Recent official statistics indicate that Islamabad and Punjab are at the forefront with 90 percent coverage, succeeded by Sindh at 84 percent, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at 79 percent, and Balochistan trailing with a mere 54 percent.
Dr. Sofia, Director General of Immunization, stated that the program’s coverage has progressively enhanced over the years. “Several years prior, our national average was approximately 54 percent.” We are now striving to exceed 95 percent,” she stated.
District Health Officer Dr. Rashida Syed emphasized Islamabad’s commendable performance. “We have surpassed 90 percent owing to sustained efforts and robust political backing.” She stated, “With sustained commitment, we aspire to ultimately achieve complete coverage.”
Dr. Mukhtar Bharath, Minister of State for Health, emphasized the necessity for ongoing initiatives, especially in underperforming provinces.
“Although Punjab is nearing the target, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan continue to encounter significant deficiencies.” Sindh is undertaking initiatives; however, disease control will persist as a challenge until each province attains a minimum of 90 percent compliance.
