A total of 651,000 children in Pakistan are completely deprived of routine immunization.
According to the Pakistan Medical Association, weaknesses in the immunization system have become a major threat to children’s lives, and the growing number of unvaccinated children increases the risk of the spread of vaccine preventable diseases.
The PMA has called for a complete audit of the funds allocated to the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and accountability for any corruption. It also urged authorities to immediately identify the 651,000 zero dose children and ensure they receive vaccinations.
According to the Pakistan Medical Association, routine immunization should be declared a national security priority, while frontline healthcare workers should be provided with timely salaries, training, and protection.
