Pakistan's Children Unvaccinated: A Public Health Crisis

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has declared a national public health emergency, warning of catastrophic consequences due to a vast number of unvaccinated children. Approximately 651,000 infants have received no routine immunisations, classifying them as "zero-dose" children. This situation places Pakistan among countries with the highest rates in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, raising fears of large-scale outbreaks of preventable childhood diseases.

The PMA attributes this crisis not to conflict, but to systemic governance failures, corruption, and administrative negligence. Issues cited include nepotism, weakened immunisation programs, and failure to reach remote areas. The association demands an immediate audit of provincial health funds, prioritisation of routine immunisation as a national security matter, and improved support for frontline health workers.