National EPI Meeting Highlights 95% Vaccination Coverage Target Mustafa Kamal

Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal chaired the National Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) review meeting, attended by representatives from all four provinces, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and global health partners including UNICEF, WHO, Gavi, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

During the session, the Minister was briefed on the national immunization program, its coverage status, and ongoing efforts to protect children from preventable diseases.

Speaking at the meeting, Mustafa Kamal emphasized:

“Our goal is not just the number of activities, but to reduce the burden of disease and create a healthy society.”

Key highlights from the Minister’s directives:

1. Ensure nationwide vaccination coverage reaches 95% across all provinces.

2. No child in Pakistan should remain deprived of life-saving vaccines.

3. Focus should shift from treatment to disease prevention.

4. Transform the Health Ministry into a true Health Care Ministry.

The Minister stressed the need to move from a “push” strategy to a “pull” strategy, where parents voluntarily bring their children for vaccinations after understanding their importance.

“True success will come when society itself approaches the government for vaccines. Disease prevention must be our top priority,” he stated.

The session also focused on bridging the gap between service delivery and public perception, alongside strengthening federal-provincial coordination to ensure that every child in Pakistan receives timely immunization.