Pakistan is witnessing a concerning surge in unvaccinated children, jeopardizing its public health system and leaving millions of children vulnerable to preventable diseases. Despite official reports indicating progress, recent studies and surveys reveal that vaccination coverage remains significantly below global targets especially in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

📊 Immunization Rates Far Below WHO Goals

While government figures suggest coverage for key vaccines like MCV2 (measles second dose) exceeds 80%, independent data points to much lower actual rates often below 66%. This discrepancy highlights systemic issues in data reporting and on-ground delivery of immunization services.

🚨 Polio and Measles Threats Resurface

Pakistan remains one of the last countries battling endemic polio. In 2025, over 11 polio cases have been confirmed, with a majority affecting children who missed routine immunizations. Polio campaigns in high-risk areas like Peshawar faced high refusal rates, with over 20% of parents declining vaccines. Similarly, gaps in measles vaccination coverage continue to spark outbreaks in underserved districts.

🔍 Why Parents Are Refusing Vaccines

Several factors contribute to the rising number of unvaccinated children:

  • Vaccine misinformation: Misinformation spread via social media and local networks fuels vaccine hesitancy.
  • Logistical barriers: Remote locations, clinic shortages, and lack of mobile outreach make access difficult.
  • Sociocultural factors: Some mothers, especially working women, are more likely to skip or delay vaccinations due to time and awareness constraints.
  • Trust deficit: Low confidence in public health campaigns and past incidents of misinformation have eroded community trust.

📌 Missed WHO Targets and What’s at Stake

The World Health Organization set a goal of 90% vaccine coverage by 2015, but Pakistan continues to fall short, even in 2025. The consequences are severe: loss of herd immunity, resurgence of deadly diseases, and global setbacks in disease eradication efforts.

✅ Solutions to Close the Immunization Gap

To reverse this crisis, Pakistan must act urgently:

  • Expand mobile vaccination units to reach remote and underserved areas.
  • Partner with religious and community leaders to build trust and dispel vaccine myths.
  • Integrate school-based immunization checks to ensure full coverage before enrollment.
  • Launch digital awareness campaigns using SMS and voice messages in local languages.
  • Strengthen accountability mechanisms during national immunization days and polio drives.

🧭 The Road Ahead

The rising number of unvaccinated children in Pakistan poses a direct threat to national and global public health. But with targeted interventions, policy reforms, and stronger community engagement, Pakistan can get back on track toward achieving WHO’s immunization goals and protecting the next generation from preventable disease.