Your Support Matters: World Immunization Week 2024...

In Pakistan, vaccine-preventable diseases are highly prevalent, posing a heavy burden on the healthcare system. Such diseases constitute a major percentage of the annual deaths in the country. The current health crisis highlights the dire need to strengthen the immunization system.

This article aims to share the major challenges in routine immunization. We will shed light on initiatives taken by Pakistan and discuss the required measures. Reviewing the cause of disruptions in vaccine activities will help in gaining a stronger understanding. Let’s begin:

Significance of Immunization

Every child is required to receive a set of inoculations during the first 15 months of life. This immunization course protects children from vaccine-preventable diseases, such as tuberculosis, typhoid, hepatitis B, pneumonia, measles, tetanus, and rubella, to name a few.

A considerable population of Pakistan in the urban slums and remote areas become more prone to these diseases. Unfortunately, most of the children from these areas are zero-dose children – ones who remain unimmunized.

There is a dire need to initiate novel means that can help trace these unvaccinated children.

Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)

The World Health Organization (WHO) initiated a global immunization program, known as EPI, in 1974. The core purpose of the program is to expand immunization while reducing the burden of communicable and vaccine-preventable diseases. The program is successfully running across various nations and will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year.

It creates awareness regarding the right to receive vaccines, particularly for children. Today, the program comprises 13 recommended vaccines, along with 17 additional shots. The latter vaccines are subject to context-based recommendations. Reflecting the significance of immunization across all ages, the program is now known as the Essential Program on Immunization.

Pakistan’s immunization system has also made significant progress since its inception. However, in recent years, the program has faced severe disruptions, mainly due to the pandemic and massive flooding in 2010. Because of poor sanitary conditions, family displacement, and overcrowded hospitals, many children remained unvaccinated. Additionally, the goal of eradicating polio and measles from Pakistan has yet to be achieved.

Pakistan’s Initiatives for Immunization

The government of Pakistan introduced the DPT vaccine in the EPI program in January 2018. This step was taken to control the growing issue of diphtheria. In 2020, Pakistan launched an anti-tetanus campaign in Balochistan. Tetanus, another virus that causes neonatal mortality, became a cause of concern. Compared to other provinces, the death rate of women in Balochistan was higher. Therefore, a dedicated campaign to boost immunity in pregnant women was launched.

Pakistan also conducted a nationwide campaign against rubella and measles in 2021. This program vaccinated more than 90 million children across the nation.

The Hepatitis B vaccination program started in 2022. Its dosage is administered thrice in the first year of life to protect against hepatitis B.

Recently, In February 2024, Pakistan conducted a second polio campaign. The new campaign vaccinated around 45.8 million children against the disability-causing virus. Along with the polio vaccine, children also received Vitamin A supplements that act as an immunity booster.

World Immunization Week 2024

The World Immunization Week 2024 commemorates from April 24 to 30. It is the time when government, private agencies, communities, front-line workers, and NGOs come together for awareness. The collective effort is perfectly incorporated into this year’s immunization week theme, “Vaccines Bring Us Closer.” The week is celebrated with press conferences, walks, and community outreach programs dedicated to immunization awareness.

Challenges Faced by Pakistan

Pakistan faces severe complexities in achieving immunization goals. Lack of awareness, limited budget, poor healthcare facilities, and shortage of vaccines are the core reasons behind it.

Due to the awareness gap, a major portion of Pakistan’s population shows vaccine hesitancy. Even for the door-to-door polio vaccine facility, many people are reluctant.

Pakistan is also prone to natural disasters. Seasonal flooding limits vaccine delivery. Damaged roads and an inadequate supply of dosage also hinder the immunization process.

Apart from this, the lack of planning during healthcare emergencies makes matters worse. During the recent pandemic, Pakistan faced massive disruption in the immunization system. Many children missed the first dose of the BCG vaccine, administered right after birth. It was mainly due to the avoidance of public transport and the stress of isolation.

Even the supply of COVID-19 vaccine was short in the marginalized areas. On the flip side, the majority of people in the urban areas showed reluctance due to limited awareness.

Step Up to Save Lives: Donate to SHINE Humanity

Ensuring access to life-saving vaccines is a collective obligation. SHINE Humanity stands at the forefront of this effort, working tirelessly for new initiatives. Our community health workers visit various communities and address the common concerns of mothers. Through awareness and knowledge, we build trust and motivate them for vaccine acceptance for their children.

Working in Sindh made us realize the dire need for immunization. The absence of vaccinations in rural areas leads to severe illnesses, deaths, and poor quality of life. Therefore, SHINE Humanity has joined hands with the government of Sindh to launch the expanded program on Immunization in Gharo at our Garibsons Clinic.

We also collaborated with Ehsaas Trust for a medical camp in Sujawal that offered vaccines to pregnant mothers. These vaccines are vital for pregnant women in an immuno-compromised state. Timely dosage protects not just the mother, but also the fetus for at least six months of life.

We need your support in continuing our efforts for immunization. Together, we can protect many lives from vulnerable diseases. Join hands with us!