Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal officially launched the third phase of Pakistan’s nationwide Big Catch-Up Round immunisation campaign on Monday at the Basic Health Unit (BHU) in Golra Sharif.

This phase of the campaign is focused on reaching children who missed routine vaccinations, offering protection against 12 life-threatening but vaccine-preventable diseases.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Minister Kamal stressed the urgent need to prioritise preventive healthcare in Pakistan.

“The Big Catch-Up Round is more than just an immunisation drive — it reflects our national commitment to safeguard our children’s health,” he said. “This intensive campaign will mobilise a strong vaccination effort across the country.”

Healthcare Under Pressure

The minister acknowledged broader challenges facing the healthcare system, noting the overwhelming demand on hospitals like PIMS, which were never designed to handle the current volume of daily patients. He linked the strain to Pakistan’s rapid population growth — currently the fastest in the world at 3.6% annually.

“Each year, we add the equivalent of another country to our population,” Kamal said. “This explosion in numbers is putting immense pressure on both healthcare and education systems. Many children remain out of school because of it.”

Focus on Prevention and Clean Water

Minister Kamal also highlighted the link between public health and environmental issues. He revealed that nearly 68% of illnesses in Pakistan are caused by the consumption of contaminated water.

“From the mountains of Gilgit to the coasts of Karachi, untreated sewage pollutes our water. The concept of sewage treatment is virtually absent,” he stated, urging a shift in focus from treatment to prevention.

He also expressed concern over childhood malnutrition, with 40% of Pakistani children facing stunted growth due to inadequate nutrition.

Polio Still a Threat

The minister noted that in 2025 alone, Pakistan has already reported 13 confirmed cases of polio, with positive environmental samples detected in nearly every district.

“While cancer has a treatment, polio does not,” Kamal said, stressing the continued importance of eradication efforts despite low case numbers.

Support from Global Health Partners

World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Pakistan, Dr. Dapeng Luo, praised the progress of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), which has saved millions of lives since its inception in 1978.

“Every 10 seconds, a life is saved through vaccination,” Dr. Luo noted. He reaffirmed WHO’s continued support in providing technical assistance and mobilising resources, as seen in the two earlier phases of the Big Catch-Up initiative.

In a bid to improve outreach, the campaign will also see the distribution of motorbikes — donated by Gavi — to help vaccinators access remote and underserved communities.

A National Milestone

The launch of Big Catch-Up Round III marks another critical step in strengthening Pakistan’s immunisation infrastructure and ensuring that no child is left behind. With strong government leadership and international collaboration, the campaign aims to build a healthier, safer future for Pakistan’s youngest citizens.