ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has launched a nationwide measles–rubella (MR) vaccination campaign to protect 34.6 million children across the country. The initiative, led by the Federal Directorate for Immunization (FDI) in partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO), was formally inaugurated in Islamabad with a commitment to reach every eligible child between the ages of six months to 59 months.
The campaign, running from 17 to 29 November 2025, will cover all provinces and territories, offering the vaccine free of cost at fixed centres, outreach sites, schools, and seminaries. In collaboration with Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI), the oral polio vaccine will also be administered to all children under five, with frontline teams supporting the MR campaign alongside the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal termed the launch a crucial milestone for the health sector. “Today marks a pivotal moment for public health in Pakistan. We are resolute in our commitment to protect every child from preventable diseases like measles and rubella. This campaign is a testament to the strength of our national resolve and the invaluable partnerships we hold with WHO, Gavi, UNICEF, and all our collaborators. I urge all parents, teachers, and community leaders to ensure every child of our country aged 6 to 59 months receives this vaccine. Together, we are building a healthier, more resilient future for our children, ensuring that no child is left behind in our pursuit of universal health coverage,” he said.
Director General of FDI Dr. Soofia Yunus emphasized that preventing measles and rubella remains 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 caused by measles complications,” she said.
WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr. Luo Dapeng appreciated the scale of collaboration, stating that scientific evidence consistently proves the life-saving impact of vaccines. “WHO is proud to support Pakistan and the Federal Directorate of Immunization, as more than 140,000 health workers are on the ground to leave no child behind, no matter where they live or who they are.”
According to official data, over 17,000 measles cases have been reported this year across 475 union councils, reflecting an incidence rate of 66.65 cases per million — three times higher than the WHO threshold for a “large and disruptive” outbreak. More than half of these cases were among zero-dose children — those who have never received any routine measles vaccination — highlighting the urgency of this supplementary campaign. Health experts stress that measles is highly contagious and requires at least 95% vaccine coverage with two doses to prevent outbreaks.
UNICEF Representative Pernille Ironside said the MR campaign is a critical step toward safeguarding children’s futures. “The measles-rubella vaccine can protect millions of children from preventable and life-threatening diseases, giving them the chance to grow, learn, and thrive. UNICEF is proud to support this national effort.”
Since the year 2000, global measles vaccination efforts are estimated to have saved 60 million lives. Pakistan’s campaign marks a major stride toward the global target of eliminating measles and controlling rubella in low-income countries by 2030.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders are strongly urged to ensure all eligible children are vaccinated during the campaign, ensuring wider immunity and protection against both viruses.
Carrie Gheen, Gavi’s Senior Country Manager for Pakistan, said the campaign reflects the strength of global health cooperation. “Through our long-standing partnerships with Pakistan and other countries, Gavi is working to strengthen immunization systems so that life-saving vaccines reach every child. This campaign is an important step toward closing immunity gaps nationwide.”
