ISLAMABAD: Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal launched the third phase of the Big Catch-Up Round immunization campaign at the Basic Health Unit in Golra Sharif, Islamabad. The campaign aims to vaccinate children who missed routine immunizations and protect them against 12 dangerous but preventable diseases.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, the minister said the campaign reflects Pakistan’s commitment to child health. “This is more than a vaccination drive—it’s a national effort to protect our children,” he said. The campaign will be conducted across the country with an intensive focus on outreach.
Minister Kamal also pointed to the wider challenges facing the health system. “Hospitals like PIMS were not built to handle the thousands of patients they see every day. With a population growth rate of 3.6%—the highest in the world—our schools and hospitals are overwhelmed. Over 25 million children are out of school because of this pressure,” he noted.
He added that contaminated water remains a major health risk. “Around 68% of diseases in Pakistan are caused by unsafe drinking water. From Gilgit to Karachi, untreated sewage is polluting our water supply. Sadly, sewage treatment is almost non-existent in our country.”
The minister emphasized the need for preventive healthcare. “We are stuck in a system that makes people sick, and then tells us to build more hospitals. But even with billions, we cannot cure illness unless we prevent it. My top goal is to stop illness before it starts,” he said.
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On child health, Minister Kamal shared worrying figures: 40% of children in Pakistan suffer from malnutrition, and 13 polio cases have been confirmed in 2025 so far. He added that environmental samples show the virus is still present in many districts. “While cancer has a treatment, polio does not. That’s why prevention is key,” he stressed.
WHO Representative Dr. Dapeng Luo praised Pakistan’s Expanded Programme on Immunization. “Every 10 seconds, vaccines save a life. Since 1978, this program has saved millions. WHO will continue to support Pakistan’s efforts in this campaign,” he said. He also announced the distribution of motorbikes—donated by Gavi—to help vaccinators reach remote areas.
The third Big Catch-Up Round marks an important step toward improving Pakistan’s immunization coverage and protecting children across the country.
