Pakistan Urged to Achieve Vaccine Self-Sufficiency by 2030

Pakistan’s Race Toward Vaccine Independence

Pakistan’s Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has stressed the urgent need for the country to achieve vaccine self-sufficiency by 2030, warning that failure to do so will result in an annual import bill of $1.2 billion.

Currently, Pakistan imports nearly all of its finished vaccines, with 49 percent of financing borne domestically and 51 percent supported by global donors. However, international vaccine assistance is expected to end by 2030, leaving Pakistan vulnerable to global supply disruptions and financial strain.

To address this challenge, the federal cabinet recently approved the first-ever National Vaccine Policy, aimed at enabling local production. The policy outlines steps for building manufacturing capacity, ensuring compliance with World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification standards, and fostering partnerships with international stakeholders.

In February, Pakistani authorities held discussions with a Saudi delegation to explore joint vaccine production. Minister Kamal noted that Islamabad is “very close” to reaching an agreement with Riyadh, which could accelerate the country’s journey toward vaccine independence.

Pakistan currently imports 13 types of vaccines, including those for polio, measles, rubella, and hepatitis. Public health experts warn that compromising on vaccine imports would create a “horrific situation” for millions of patients. Kamal emphasized that local production will take time, requiring 1.5 to 3 years before results materialize.

With a population of over 240 million, Pakistan regularly conducts nationwide immunization campaigns. A major anti-polio drive is scheduled for May 18, targeting 19 million children. Officials believe that once local facilities meet WHO standards, Pakistan could even become a regional supplier of vaccines.

The push for vaccine self-sufficiency reflects both economic necessity and public health priorities. By investing in local production, Pakistan aims to secure its immunization programs, reduce dependency on imports, and strengthen its healthcare resilience for the future.