Pakistan Launches “Big Catch-Up Round III” to Boost Childhood Immunization Efforts
Pakistan has launched the third phase of its “Big Catch-Up” immunization campaign, aiming to vaccinate children who have missed routine immunizations and protect them against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. The initiative, inaugurated at the Basic Health Unit in Golra Sharif, Islamabad, underscores the government’s concerted efforts to enhance preventive healthcare amidst mounting demographic and public health challenges.
During the inauguration, Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, emphasized the importance of scaling up vaccination efforts nationwide. “The Big Catch-Up Round is not just an immunization activity; it is our national resolve to protect our children,” he stated. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a robust, countrywide vaccination drive to address gaps in immunization coverage.
Minister Kamal also addressed underlying systemic healthcare challenges affecting Pakistan. He highlighted the rapid population growth, which is estimated at 3.6% annually—the highest in the world—leading to overwhelmed healthcare facilities such as the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). “Every year, our population increases by the size of another country, exerting immense pressure on our health and education systems,” he noted. He cited statistics indicating that 2.5 crore children are currently out of school due to these demographic pressures.
The health minister pointed out the critical environmental issues impacting public health. “Nearly 68% of illnesses in Pakistan are related to drinking contaminated water,” he explained. He expressed concern over the widespread contamination caused by untreated sewage, which pollutes water sources from Gilgit to Karachi. “The absence of proper sewage treatment facilities exacerbates health risks,” he added, criticizing the existing focus on treatment rather than prevention.
Kamal underscored the need for a paradigm shift towards preventive healthcare. “The environment seems designed to make people ill. Instead of addressing root causes, we are building more hospitals. Billions of dollars are spent on treatment, but nothing replaces the importance of preventing illness from the outset,” he asserted. His focus remains on proactive measures, especially in child health, where he cited troubling statistics: “40% of Pakistani children are malnourished, with stunted growth due to nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, Pakistan reported 13 confirmed polio cases in 2025, with environmental samples testing positive across nearly every district, indicating the virus’s persistent presence and ongoing threat.”
Despite these challenges, the minister acknowledged progress in controlling polio. “Thanks to rigorous vaccination campaigns, case numbers remain low,” he said. “But we must remember that, unlike cancer, polio is a disease from which we cannot easily recover.”
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) representative to Pakistan, Dr. Dapeng Luo, emphasized the success of immunization programs in saving lives. “Every 10 seconds, vaccination saves a life,” he remarked. He highlighted the role of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) launched in 1978, backed by WHO and partners, which has protected millions of Pakistanis over the decades. Dr. Luo announced ongoing support, including the distribution of motorbikes—donated by Gavi—to improve outreach efforts, especially in remote and vulnerable communities.
The “Big Catch-Up Round III” marks an important step toward strengthening Pakistan’s immunization infrastructure and enhancing disease prevention strategies. By focusing on vaccinating children and addressing environmental health risks, the campaign aims to reduce disease burden and lay the groundwork for a healthier future for Pakistan’s youngest generations.
