Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal met with Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to discuss strengthening Pakistan’s immunization strategy and securing future vaccine supplies.

The Health Minister highlighted the urgent need for local vaccine production in Pakistan, identifying it as a top priority to ensure the nation’s health security and long-term sustainability. He acknowledged Gavi’s pivotal role in supporting immunization programs and urged the alliance to help Pakistan transition to indigenous vaccine manufacturing.

To ensure continuous immunization coverage, the Minister stressed the importance of uninterrupted vaccine supply chains that are shielded from geopolitical disruptions. He called on Gavi to facilitate procurement from countries with dependable supply networks.

One of the key demands raised during the meeting was the immediate provision of the hexavalent vaccine, vital for protecting children against multiple diseases. The Minister emphasized Pakistan’s fiscal limitations and appealed for global cooperation to maintain access to life-saving vaccines, especially during the critical phase of polio eradication.

Dr. Sania Nishtar praised the progress achieved by Pakistan’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), especially in the areas of vaccine coverage, disease surveillance, and strategic planning. She acknowledged the issues raised by Minister Kamal and assured full support from Gavi to help advance Pakistan’s immunization goals. She also highlighted Gavi’s renewed focus on aligning its future strategies with Pakistan’s national health priorities.

The meeting concluded on a strong note of cooperation, with both parties expressing a shared commitment to protecting every child in Pakistan from vaccine-preventable diseases through resilient and equitable immunization systems.

Senior leadership from the Ministry of National Health Services, the Federal Directorate of Immunization, and global partners such as WHO, UNICEF, Gates Foundation, and Polio Programme representatives were also in attendance.