WHO, Pakistan Launch Measles-Rubella Vaccination Drive

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has partnered with the Pakistani government to train more than 140,000 health workers for a nationwide measles and rubella (MR) vaccination campaign aimed at protecting 35.4 million children aged 6 to 59 months. The campaign, set to run from November 17 to 29, 2025, seeks to close immunity gaps that could leave over 6.7 million children vulnerable in 2026.

Supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, WHO is conducting extensive training sessions for vaccinators, team assistants, and social mobilisers, focusing on safe injection practices, microplanning, and community engagement. In high-risk districts, polio drops will also be administered under a joint effort with the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) and the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI).

The WHO emphasized that measles and rubella remain serious public health threats in Pakistan, with outbreaks recorded across 101 districts. So far, more than 16,000 measles cases have been reported in 2025 — over half of which involved zero-dose children, highlighting the urgency of ensuring universal immunisation coverage.

The initiative also includes comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and readiness assessments coordinated with Pakistan’s Federal Directorate of Immunisation (FDI) and provincial health authorities to ensure effective implementation and lasting impact.