A meeting of the Expanded Programme on Immunization National Technical Working Group on Measles and Rubella was held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Dr Soofia Yunus, Director General of the Federal Directorate of Immunization. Provincial and Area EPI programme managers joined representatives from donor and partner organisations to review preparedness and strengthen coordination ahead of the MR campaign.
The MR campaign will run nationwide from 17 to 29 November 2025. During this period every child aged 6 months to 5 years will be offered a safe, WHO-approved measles and rubella vaccine free of charge as part of the MR campaign.
In selected districts polio drops will be provided alongside the MR vaccine. Parents are urged to ensure that every child under five receives both the MR vaccine and two drops of polio vaccine to maximise protection against these preventable diseases.
The effort is led by the Government of Pakistan through the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination and the Expanded Programme on Immunization, with partner support from Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, WHO Pakistan, UNICEF Pakistan and other organisations. Officials described the nationwide drive as a key step to strengthen routine immunisation and protect children across the country.
Vaccinations will be available at government health facilities, selected temporary vaccination sites, and in schools and madaris to ensure wide access. For more information and guidance parents can contact the Sehat Tahaffuz Helpline at 1166 (toll-free).
Health authorities and partners are calling on communities to participate fully in the MR campaign to safeguard children and reduce the risk of measles, rubella and polio across Pakistan.
