The Government of Pakistan, in partnership with Gavi, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO), launched a nationwide measles and rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in Islamabad to protect 34.6 million children. Running from 17 to 29 November 2025, the campaign targets children aged 6 months to 59 months and offers free vaccination at fixed centres, outreach sites, schools, and seminaries. The initiative also includes the oral polio vaccine for children under five, with support from Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Initiative and the Expanded Programme on Immunization.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal emphasized the campaign as a key public health milestone, urging parents, teachers, and community leaders to ensure all eligible children are vaccinated. Director General of the Federal Directorate for Immunization Dr. Soofia Yunus highlighted the national priority of protecting children from preventable diseases, while WHO Representative Dr. Luo Dapeng underlined the role of over 140,000 health workers in reaching children across Pakistan, ensuring no child is left behind.
Pakistan has recorded over 17,000 measles cases this year across 475 union councils, with an incidence rate three times higher than the WHO threshold for large outbreaks. Children under five are particularly vulnerable, and over half of the cases involved zero-dose children who had not received routine measles vaccination. Achieving at least 95% coverage with two doses of the MR vaccine is essential to prevent further outbreaks.
UNICEF Representative Pernille Ironside highlighted the vaccine’s ability to protect millions of children from life-threatening diseases, enabling them to grow and thrive. The campaign represents a significant step toward the global goal of eliminating measles and controlling rubella in lower-income countries by 2030. Gavi Senior Country Manager Carrie Gheen emphasized the importance of closing nationwide immunity gaps and strengthening Pakistan’s immunization systems to ensure all children receive life-saving vaccines.
Since 2000, measles vaccination has saved an estimated 60 million lives worldwide. Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, and other partners continue to support immunization initiatives in Pakistan and globally, focusing on reaching zero-dose children and improving health system resilience. The campaign underscores Pakistan’s commitment to universal health coverage and building a healthier, more resilient future for all children.
