**Federal Minister for Health Calls for Community-Led Immunization Drive in National EPI Review**
In a high-level meeting of the National Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal called for a fundamental shift in Pakistan’s immunization approach, urging a move towards community-led demand for vaccines and coordinated, nationwide action to protect every child.
The meeting, chaired by Minister Kamal, brought together senior EPI officials from all provinces, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Islamabad Capital Territory. International development partners, including UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, also participated, alongside organizations such as Jhpiego, the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative, MannionDaniels, Oxford Policy Management, Acasus – Brave Change, IRD, Aga Khan University, and others.
During comprehensive briefings, provincial representatives updated the Minister on current immunization efforts and progress. Minister Kamal highlighted the need to address the gap between service delivery and public perception, stressing that improved coordination between federal and provincial authorities is vital for reaching at least 95% vaccine coverage nationwide.
“The success of the 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,” said the Minister.
He emphasized the necessity of transitioning from a “push” strategy—where authorities promote vaccines—to a “pull” strategy grounded in parental recognition of the value of immunization. Minister Kamal advocated for a system in which families willingly seek out vaccination services, making preventive healthcare a societal norm.
“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 said.
The Minister reiterated that the Ministry’s ultimate objective is not simply to increase the number of vaccination campaigns, but to meaningfully reduce disease burden and foster a healthier society. He noted the importance of evolving from a traditional “sick care” system focused on treatment to a “health care” paradigm centered on prevention.
Senior representatives of Gavi, WHO, UNICEF, and the Gates Foundation, as well as key implementing partners, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Pakistan’s immunization goals. They praised ongoing efforts and pledged continued collaboration to strengthen the country’s public health infrastructure.
The session concluded with a united pledge to build an immunization system that guarantees protection for every child and strengthens public trust in vaccines—making community-driven demand for immunization a cornerstone of national disease prevention efforts.
