Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal chaired a high-level meeting of the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI) to discuss the future of Pakistan’s national immunization program. The meeting included a detailed briefing by the Director General of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), who outlined current challenges, low vaccine coverage rates, and future priorities to protect the country’s children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Strategic Plan to Improve Immunization Coverage Nationwide

During the session, the health minister emphasized the urgent need for integrated and effective nationwide action to raise immunization coverage levels. He directed all provincial and federal stakeholders to work in coordination to strengthen field-level operations, ensure vaccine availability, and accelerate outreach in underserved areas.

A new national plan is being formulated to launch a comprehensive and impactful immunization campaign that aims to protect children from 12 life-threatening diseases, including polio, measles, hepatitis, diphtheria, and pneumonia.

Raising Awareness to Drive Parental Participation

Mustafa Kamal announced that a targeted public awareness campaign will be launched to ensure that parents understand the importance of timely vaccination. The campaign will aim to:

  • Educate families about the 12 diseases vaccines prevent
  • Encourage visits to local health centers for immunization
  • Break harmful myths and misinformation surrounding vaccines
  • Reinforce the idea that prevention is better than cure

He urged parents not to neglect their responsibility, stating, “Do not become an enemy to your own child. Protect them from preventable diseases take them to your nearest health center for vaccination.”

A Moral, Social, and Religious Duty

Addressing the broader societal perspective, the federal health minister declared that protecting children from deadly diseases is not only a parental responsibility, but also a moral and religious obligation. Ensuring children’s right to health must be placed above all hesitations and excuses.

He reiterated, “Our focus is prevention. We must protect our children before they fall ill. That is the true meaning of care.”

Conclusion

The federal government, under the leadership of Mustafa Kamal, is renewing its commitment to protecting the next generation through robust vaccination strategies. With a clear focus on awareness, accessibility, and prevention, the upcoming immunization drive seeks to drastically reduce child mortality and safeguard public health across Pakistan.