Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, inaugurated the third phase of the Big Catch-Up Round immunisation campaign on Monday at the Basic Health Unit (BHU) in Golra Sharif.
This national drive aims to vaccinate children who missed routine immunisations, providing protection against 12 life-threatening, vaccine-preventable diseases.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Kamal stressed the critical importance of preventive healthcare. “The Big Catch-Up Round is more than just an immunisation activity—it reflects our national commitment to safeguarding our children,” he stated. “This intensive campaign will see widespread vaccination efforts across the country.”
Addressing broader healthcare challenges, the Minister pointed out that institutions like PIMS were not designed to handle the massive number of patients they now serve daily. He warned that Pakistan’s rapid population growth—currently at 3.6% annually, the highest rate in the world—has placed immense strain on health and education systems, with many children still out of school.
Highlighting environmental health issues, he noted that nearly 68% of diseases in Pakistan are caused by contaminated drinking water. From the mountains of Gilgit to the coasts of Karachi, untreated sewage continues to pollute water sources. He added that Pakistan lacks a nationwide sewage treatment infrastructure, contributing to the spread of illness.
“My primary goal is to prevent disease before it begins,” Kamal said. “Currently, 40% of Pakistani children are malnourished, and their growth is stunted due to poor nutrition. In 2025 alone, we’ve already seen 13 confirmed polio cases, with environmental samples testing positive in nearly every district.”
Despite these challenges, the Minister acknowledged progress made through ongoing vaccination campaigns. “While cancer has a treatment, polio does not. Thanks to tireless polio efforts, case numbers remain low.”
WHO Representative to Pakistan, Dr. Dapeng Luo, also addressed the event, praising the impact of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). “Every 10 seconds, a life is saved by vaccination,” he said, reflecting on the success of the EPI since its establishment in 1978.
Dr. Luo confirmed WHO’s continued support through technical assistance and resource mobilisation, as seen in the first two rounds of the Big Catch-Up campaign. He also announced the distribution of motorbikes—donated by Gavi—to EPI vaccinators, enabling them to reach remote and underserved populations.
The Big Catch-Up Round III marks a major milestone in fortifying Pakistan’s immunisation system and reaching children most at risk.
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