What is Pakistan's Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI)?

Pakistan's EPI, established in 1978, is a vital public health program that has administered life-saving vaccines to over 160 million children and 130 million mothers over the past five decades.

How has Pakistan's EPI impacted child mortality?

The EPI program has averted an estimated 2.6 million child deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases and is estimated to prevent up to 17% of all childhood mortality in Pakistan.

What diseases has Pakistan's EPI helped control?

Pakistan's EPI has significantly reduced paralytic polio cases by 99.8% since 1994 and has contributed to the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus in several regions.

Home / Health / Pakistan's EPI: 5 Decades of Saving Lives

Pakistan's EPI: 5 Decades of Saving Lives

23 Apr

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Summary

Over 160 million children and 130 million mothers vaccinated since 1978.
Smallpox eradicated in 1976, leading to expanded immunization programs.
Polio cases reduced by 99.8% since 1994.

Pakistan's EPI: 5 Decades of Saving Lives

Over the past five decades, Pakistan's Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), operational since 1978, has administered life-saving vaccines to more than 160 million children and 130 million mothers. This initiative, a collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and partners, has been pivotal in public health.

The success of EPI is underscored by Pakistan's eradication of smallpox in 1976, paving the way for immunisation programs that have since prevented an estimated 2.6 million child deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases. The program also boasts a 99.8% reduction in paralytic polio cases since 1994.