Pakistan records highest-ever childhood immunisation coverage, survey shows

Pakistan has achieved its highest-ever childhood immunisation coverage, with more than four out of five children aged between 12 and 23 months now fully vaccinated, according to the findings of an independent national survey released on Thursday. The independently verified survey was commissioned by the Federal Directorate of Immunisation (FDI) under the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, with technical support from the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health at Aga Khan University and financial backing from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Gates Foundation. Dr Sajid Soofi, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health at Aga Khan University, said the nationwide survey required extensive fieldwork across the country despite operational challenges. “The work behind this survey is unimaginable,” he said, crediting field teams for collecting data in every district and overcoming logistical obstacles.