A high-level National Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Review Meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal. The session brought together EPI leadership from all four provinces, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad Capital Territory, alongside key international development partners and stakeholders.
Global organizations including UNICEF, WHO, Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation were prominently represented, along with Jhpiego, Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative, Mannion Daniels, Oxford Policy Management, Acasus – Brave Change, IRD, Aga Khan University, and others.
During the meeting, Minister Mustafa Kamal received comprehensive briefings on immunization efforts and progress from across the country. Emphasizing the need to bridge the existing gap between service delivery and public perception, the Minister called for renewed and coordinated action at both federal and provincial levels.
“The success of EPI depends on seamless coordination between the center and provinces. We must collectively ensure that our immunization coverage reaches at least 95%, leaving no child behind,” stated Mustafa Kamal.
Highlighting a paradigm shift in approach, the Minister stressed the transition from a “push” strategy to a “pull” strategy, where parents themselves recognize the importance of vaccination and voluntarily bring their children to health facilities.
“We need to reframe our strategy entirely. True success will come when families proactively seek vaccination services—when prevention becomes a societal norm rather than an official campaign,” he emphasized.
He reiterated that the Ministry’s goal is not merely to increase the number of immunization activities but to reduce the actual disease burden and build a healthier society.
“Our current system is a ‘sick care system’. We need to evolve into a true health care system, one that prioritizes disease prevention over treatment,” said the Minister.
The meeting also featured remarks and insights from senior representatives of Gavi, WHO, UNICEF, Gates Foundation, and implementing partners, who reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Pakistan in achieving its immunization and public health goals.
The session concluded with a shared resolve to work towards an immunization ecosystem where every child in Pakistan is protected, and public trust and demand for vaccines form the foundation of the country’s disease prevention strategy.
