Pakistan Immunization: Vehicles Boost Reach to Remote Areas
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WHO Donates Vehicles to Pakistan to boost Immunization Efforts
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The World Health Organization (WHO) delivered 20 four-wheel-drive vehicles to Pakistan’s Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) on January 14, 2026, to improve vaccine access and oversight in remote regions. The vehicles will be deployed to 20 districts identified as having a high number of unvaccinated children, often referred to as “zero-dose” children.
Pakistan’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)
The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) is a national initiative in Pakistan dedicated to preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. The WHO works closely with Pakistan’s EPI to strengthen immunization services and reach all eligible children. The programme aims to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with diseases like polio, measles, and diphtheria.
Detail: Pakistan faces important challenges in achieving worldwide immunization coverage due to geographical barriers, security concerns, and misinformation. These challenges are especially acute in remote and underserved areas.
Example: In November 2023, the WHO reported that Pakistan continued to face challenges in eradicating polio, with ongoing transmission in certain regions. The Polio Eradication Initiative details the ongoing efforts and challenges in Pakistan.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s Role
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, provides financial and technical support to countries like Pakistan to improve immunization coverage. Gavi’s mission is to increase access to new and underused vaccines in low-income countries.
Detail: Gavi’s support is crucial for sustaining and expanding immunization programs in Pakistan, enabling the procurement of vaccines and strengthening the cold chain infrastructure.
Example: Gavi has invested over $750 million in Pakistan’s immunization programs sence 2000, contributing to significant reductions in vaccine-preventable disease incidence. Gavi’s Pakistan country profile provides detailed information on their investments and impact.
Addressing “Zero-Dose” Children
“Zero-dose” children are defined as those who have not received a single dose of any vaccine. UNICEF’s work on zero-dose children highlights the global effort to reach these vulnerable populations.
Detail: Identifying and vaccinating zero-dose children is a critical priority for the WHO and the Pakistani government. These children are at the highest risk of contracting and dying from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Example: According to a 2024 report by the WHO and UNICEF, Pakistan had approximately 3.5 million zero-dose children, representing a significant challenge for the country’s immunization program. WHO News release details the global and regional statistics on zero-dose children.
Vehicle Deployment and Impact
The 20 four-wheel-drive vehicles donated by the WHO will be strategically deployed to 20 priority districts with a high concentration of zero-dose children.
Detail: These vehicles will enable EPI teams to reach remote communities, conduct immunization campaigns, and provide essential supervision and support to local health workers.
Example: The districts receiving the vehicles include areas in Balochistan and Khyber