Pakistan Partners with Gavi to Reinforce Vaccine Strategy and Health Security
In a pivotal move to enhance national health resilience, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal met with Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to chart a strategic path for Pakistan’s immunization future. The high-level meeting focused on expanding vaccine access, boosting local production, and ensuring uninterrupted supply chains amid global uncertainties.
Local Vaccine Production: A Strategic Priority
Minister Kamal emphasized the urgent need for Pakistan to develop indigenous vaccine manufacturing capabilities. By producing vaccines locally, Pakistan aims to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers, improve response times during health emergencies, and strengthen long-term sustainability.
He called on Gavi to support this transition, highlighting the importance of technology transfer, infrastructure investment, and regulatory alignment to make local production a reality.
Securing Reliable Vaccine Supply Chains
The Minister also stressed the importance of maintaining consistent vaccine availability, especially for critical immunizations like the hexavalent vaccine, which protects children against six deadly diseases. He urged Gavi to facilitate procurement from countries with dependable supply networks, shielding Pakistan’s immunization efforts from geopolitical disruptions.
Addressing Fiscal Constraints and Equity
Recognizing Pakistan’s financial limitations, Minister Kamal appealed for global cooperation to ensure continued access to life-saving vaccines. He underscored the importance of equitable distribution, particularly in underserved regions, as the country intensifies its polio eradication campaign.
Gavi’s Commitment to Pakistan’s Health Goals
Dr. Sania Nishtar praised Pakistan’s progress under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), noting improvements in vaccine coverage, disease surveillance, and strategic planning. She reaffirmed Gavi’s commitment to aligning its future strategies with Pakistan’s national health priorities and pledged full support for the country’s immunization goals.
A Unified Vision for Public Health
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to protect every child in Pakistan from vaccine-preventable diseases. Senior officials from the Ministry of National Health Services, the Federal Directorate of Immunization, and global partners including WHO, UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, and the Polio Programme were also present, signaling strong international collaboration.
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