WHO is going to collaboration with Pakistani Government to roll out a Nationwide preventive campaign, set to begin form 17 to 29 November 2025.
The Partnership between WHO and Government of Pakistan is to tarin over the 140 000 health workers for the nationwide Measles–Rubella immunization drive set to be launched next month that target to protect 35.4 million children aged 6 to 59 months.
The preventive campaign, which is set for 17 to 29 November 2025, will support regular vaccination campaigns and address an immunity gap that may otherwise put more than 6.7 million children under the age of five at high risk of contracting the disease in 2026.
The Collaboration Between PEI Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Initiative and the EPI Expanded Programme on Immunization will be for the support of the measles and Rubella, meanwhile in the same in high-risk selected districts, polio drops will also be given to children under five, ensuring both immunization efforts are delivered together where they are needed most.
Comprehensive cascade training sessions endorsed by WHO are being held for health workers, such as vaccinators, team assistants, and social mobilizers, with financial assistance from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Each team receives a customized version of the courses, which address topics like safe injection procedures, community involvement, quality microplanning, and handling adverse events after vaccination (AEFI).
Working jointly with the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI) and the EPI programme across federal and provincial tiers, WHO contributes technical expertise for strategic planning, data interpretation, readiness evaluations, and performance monitoring.
Measles and rubella pose a significant public health threat in Pakistan, with outbreaks reported in 432 Union Councils across 101 districts. In 2025, Pakistan registered an incidence rate of 80 measles cases per million which is 4 times higher than the WHO threshold for measles outbreaks to be classified as “large and disruptive” more than 20 reported cases per million population over a period of 12 months.
As of 30 September, over 57% of the more than 16 000 measles cases reported in 2025 affected zero-dose children (children who have not received any routine measles vaccine), underscoring the urgent need to reach every child.
According to Dr Soofia Yuns Director General, FDI “Protecting our children from vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and rubella is a national priority, this campaign is a massive undertaking to ensure a healthier, more resilient future for our nation. The Government of Pakistan is committed to reaching every child and preventing tragic deaths associated with complications due to measles.”
WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng said “The scientific evidence is clear: vaccines save lives and protect our children from life-threatening diseases like measles and rubella WHO is proud to stand with Pakistan and its Federal Directorate of Immunization in this critical public health effort. Together, we can prevent needless suffering and leave no child behind, no matter where they live or who they are.”
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