The Government of Pakistan’s Federal Directorate for Immunization (FDI) – in partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO) – launched a national measles and rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in Islamabad today to protect 34.6 million children.

The campaign runs from 17 to 29 November 2025 across all provinces and territories and aims to vaccinate children aged 6 months to 59 months against these deadly, preventable diseases. Vaccination will be provided at fixed centres, outreach sites, schools, and seminaries, and is available free of cost to all eligible children. The oral polio vaccine will also be provided to children under 5 in partnership with Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI), whose teams will help carry out the measles and rubella campaign in collaboration with the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).

"Today marks a pivotal moment for public health in Pakistan. We are resolute in our commitment to protect every child from preventable diseases like measles and rubella. This campaign is a testament to the strength of our national resolve and the invaluable partnerships we hold with WHO, Gavi, UNICEF, and all our collaborators. I urge all parents, teachers, and community leaders to ensure every child of our country aged 6 to 59 months receives this vaccine. Together, we are building a healthier, more resilient future for our children, ensuring that no child is left behind in our pursuit of universal health coverage,” said Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal.

“Protecting our children from vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and rubella is a national priority. This campaign is a massive undertaking to ensure a healthier, more resilient future for our nation. The Government of Pakistan is committed to reaching every child and preventing tragic deaths caused by measles complications,” said Director General of the Federal Directorate for Immunization Dr. Soofia Yunus.