Measles surge: Pakistan's vaccination gaps widen

Pakistan's Expanded Programme on Immunisation, launched in 1978, has significantly reduced child mortality and averted millions of deaths. Routine immunisation is estimated to prevent 17% of childhood deaths in the country. However, concerns are rising as preventable diseases like measles resurge, with over 16,000 cases reported in 2025, many among unvaccinated children.

The widening immunity gaps are attributed to factors including weak outreach, disrupted delivery, poor follow-up, and misinformation. Children missing routine vaccines, especially 'zero-dose' individuals, indicate structural failures in reaching vulnerable populations. While campaigns like the 'Big Catch-Up' have shown progress, sustained investment in primary healthcare, reliable cold chains, and last-mile delivery is crucial.

Lessons from the polio campaign emphasize the impact of political focus and infrastructure, yet reaching every child remains the ultimate barrier. Addressing vaccine hesitancy requires tackling misinformation, distrust, and unreliable services. Climate shocks and displacement further complicate immunisation efforts, particularly for children in informal or disaster-hit communities. Strengthening routine systems, not just emergency drives, is the path forward.