**Federal Minister for Health Urges Major Shift in Immunization Approach at National Review Meeting**
The Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, has called for a transformative change in Pakistan’s national immunization strategy, emphasizing a shift toward community-driven demand for vaccines and closer coordination among stakeholders. This call to action came during a high-profile meeting of the National Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), which brought together EPI leadership from all provinces and regions, as well as leading international organizations and development partners.
The meeting was attended by representatives from UNICEF, WHO, Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Jhpiego, the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative, and various partner organizations. Discussions focused on the current status of immunization efforts, progress in different regions, and ongoing challenges related to coverage and public perception.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal received briefings from officials nationwide and highlighted the urgent need to bridge gaps between the delivery of immunization services and how they are perceived by the public. He underscored the critical importance of coordination between federal and provincial authorities to ensure that immunization coverage not only improves but reaches at least 95 percent, with the aim of protecting every child.
Minister Kamal announced a paradigm shift in the country’s immunization strategy, advocating a move from the traditional “push” model—where authorities drive vaccination campaigns—to a “pull” model, where parents understand the importance of immunization and actively seek out vaccines for their children. “Our strategy must be reframed so that families proactively seek vaccination services, making disease prevention a societal norm rather than just an official initiative,” he said.
He further clarified that the Ministry’s focus extends beyond simply increasing the number of immunization activities. The ultimate goal is to reduce the nationwide disease burden and foster a genuinely healthy society. “We must transform our current ‘sick care system’ into a true health care system, one that prioritizes prevention over treatment,” he noted.
International partners and senior representatives from Gavi, WHO, UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, and various implementing agencies reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Pakistan in its efforts to reach its immunization and public health objectives.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to build an immunization ecosystem where every child is protected, and where high public trust and strong demand for vaccines serve as the foundation of an effective disease prevention strategy in Pakistan.
