A Gavi mission visited Islamabad this week to discuss Pakistan’s immunization priorities and support for upcoming campaigns. The delegation included Colette Selman, Director of the Core Countries Programme, Carrie Gheen, Senior Country Manager, and Craig Beyerinck, Programme Manager for High Impact Countries. The visit focused on operational plans for the Measles Rubella (MR) Campaign, HPV rollout and measures to reinforce routine immunization across provinces.
During meetings with Federal Health Secretary Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh at the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, the Gavi mission reviewed campaign timelines, resource needs and coordination mechanisms to improve coverage and sustainability. Discussions emphasised aligning federal and provincial efforts to ensure smooth implementation of the MR Campaign and long‑term strengthening of immunization systems.
The delegation held a detailed session with Dr. Soofia Yunus, Director General of the Federal Directorate of Immunization, to assess progress under key initiatives and to address operational challenges. The Gavi mission and FDI examined data-driven approaches, cold chain considerations, and programmatic coordination to enhance impact, particularly in hard‑to‑reach areas.
Representatives from provincial EPIs including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, AJK and Gilgit‑Baltistan joined the meetings, alongside partners from WHO Pakistan, UNICEF Pakistan, Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative, Jhpiego and the Gates Foundation. The delegation participated in the MR Campaign Technical Working Group meeting and the HPV Round 1 stock take meeting, where stock levels, logistics and readiness were reviewed.
Programmatic, audit and co‑financing matters were also discussed to support financial sustainability and accountability for vaccine programs. The Gavi mission reiterated its commitment to working with government and partners to strengthen routine immunization, improve campaign performance and help secure long‑term vaccination gains for communities across Pakistan.
