Pakistan Launches Massive Measles and Rubella Vaccination Drive: Protecting 35 Million Children

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of Pakistan are joining forces to launch a major nationwide measles and rubella (MR) immunization campaign set to protect 35.4 million children.

Over 140,000 health workers, including vaccinators and social mobilizers, attend a comprehensive training session in Pakistan. This effort, supported by WHO, prepares the teams for the massive nationwide drive aimed at protecting 35.4 million children from measles and rubella.

The preventive drive, scheduled to run from 17 to 29 November 2025, aims to close a critical immunity gap that currently places over 6.7 million children under the age of 5 at high risk of infection in 2026. This extensive effort supplements Pakistan's routine immunization programs.

WHO Trains 140,000 Health Workers for Campaign Success

To ensure the campaign’s success, the World Health Organization is providing comprehensive support, including the training of over 140,000 health workers. This massive training cascade covers essential skills for frontline teams, including:

·        Quality microplanning and logistics.

·        Safe injection practices and vaccine handling.

·        Community engagement and mobilization strategies.

·        Management of adverse events following immunization (AEFI).

This vital training is being conducted with financial backing from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

High-Risk Intervention and Collaboration

In select high-risk districts, the campaign will also administer polio drops to children under 5. This integrated approach is a key collaboration between the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and Pakistan’s successful Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI), whose teams will lend crucial support to the MR campaign.

WHO’s technical assistance extends to providing essential guidance in planning, data analysis, readiness assessments, and continuous monitoring and evaluation, working closely with the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI) and its EPI program across all federal and provincial levels.

Addressing a Severe Public Health Threat

The campaign is a direct response to a significant and alarming public health situation:

·        Widespread Outbreaks: Measles and rubella outbreaks have been reported in 432 Union Councils across 101 districts.

·        High Incidence Rate: Pakistan registered a measles incidence rate of 80 cases per million in 2025. This is four times higher than the WHO threshold (20 cases per million) for classifying outbreaks as "large and disruptive."

·        Zero-Dose Children: As of September 30, over 57% of the more than 16,000 measles cases reported in 2025 affected zero-dose children (those who have not received any routine measles vaccine), highlighting the urgency of reaching every child.

Dr. Soofia Yunus, Director General, FDI, emphasized the commitment: "Protecting our children from vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and rubella is a national priority... The Government of Pakistan is committed to reaching every child and preventing tragic deaths."

Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Pakistan, affirmed the partnership: "The scientific evidence is clear: vaccines save lives... WHO is proud to stand with Pakistan... Together, we can prevent needless suffering and leave no child behind."