Pakistan is witnessing a transformative shift in its public health strategy as the country’s polio eradication initiative (PEI) and Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) join forces under the guidance of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. This collaboration is proving to be a game-changer in reaching remote and underserved communities with essential vaccines.
Historically, the two programs operated independently—PEI in emergency mode and EPI as a routine service. But recent efforts have unlocked new synergy, allowing both teams to share resources, data, and infrastructure. The result: faster, more efficient vaccine delivery and improved coverage across Pakistan.
One of the most striking examples of this success is in South Waziristan, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. Once plagued by low immunization rates—just 3.3% full coverage in 2022—the region is now seeing significant improvements thanks to joint outreach efforts.
Key benefits of the partnership include:
- Unified data systems for real-time vaccine tracking
- Shared logistics and field teams to reduce duplication
- Enhanced community trust through coordinated messaging
- Cost savings and better resource allocation
Health workers now administer both polio drops and routine vaccines during door-to-door campaigns, maximizing impact and minimizing missed opportunities. The collaboration also fosters stronger ties between government agencies, civil society organizations, and international donors.
This integrated approach is helping Pakistan move closer to its goal of eliminating polio and achieving universal immunization coverage. With Gavi’s continued support, the country is setting a powerful example of how strategic partnerships can drive public health success.
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