Pakistan hits 87pc vaccination rate, but 2.9m children still unprotected

WEB DESK: Pakistan has reached its highest-ever immunisation coverage for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP), with 87 percent of children vaccinated in 2024, according to new data released Tuesday by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. The U.N. agencies also expressed hope that Pakistan will introduce the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine by next year as part of its expanded immunisation program.

The report highlights broader progress across South Asia, where childhood immunisation rates have surged to historic highs, a milestone in the region’s fight against preventable diseases. Strong government commitments, increased funding, and global partnerships have driven the improvement, officials said.

Polio case in North Waziristan brings Pakistan’s total tally to 14

In 2024, 92 percent of infants in South Asia received the critical third dose of the DTP vaccine, a key benchmark for global immunisation efforts. This marks a two-percentage-point increase from the previous year, while first-dose DTP coverage rose from 93 to 95 percent. The rebound surpasses pre-pandemic levels, signaling a recovery from the disruptions caused by Covid-19.

The region also saw a 27 percent drop in “zero-dose” children, those missing even basic vaccinations, with numbers falling from 2.5 million to 1.8 million in just one year.

“This is a proud moment for South Asia,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF’s regional director for the region. “More children are protected today than ever before, thanks to frontline health workers, government leadership, and community trust.”

But significant gaps remain. Despite progress, an estimated 2.9 million children in South Asia are still under-vaccinated or unvaccinated, leaving them vulnerable to deadly diseases. UNICEF and WHO urged governments to maintain political support and boost domestic funding to sustain the gains.

Polio concerns persist

The encouraging data comes even as Pakistan remains one of the last countries struggling to eradicate polio. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal recently told the Senate that Pakistan risks becoming the world’s sole reservoir of wild poliovirus if efforts to curb transmission fail.

While routine immunization has improved, experts warn that reaching the most marginalized children particularly in remote and conflict-affected areas will be crucial to closing remaining gaps.

“Now is the time to push further,” Wijesekera said. “Every child deserves the right to healthcare in their earliest years.”