Vaccination drives: Kamal flags concerns over ‘limited’ results

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has expressed serious concern and dissatisfaction over the limited impact of various vaccination-related awareness campaigns, despite significant funding amounting to millions of dollars. During a high-level meeting held here under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for National Health Services, Mustafa Kamal, which was also attended by the Federal Secretary Health, Director General (DG) Health, and Director General Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI), Kamal expressed concern over the limited effectiveness of large-scale awareness drive, costing millions of dollars – an initiative supported by UNICEF. The meeting reviewed in detail the expenditures and measurable impact of ongoing vaccination awareness campaigns. He noted that despite spending millions of dollars on awareness campaigns, there has not been a significant reduction in negative public perceptions and vaccine hesitancy, which remains a matter of serious concern. The Minister stated that the primary objective of awareness efforts is to reduce vaccine refusal rates and promote positive attitudes toward immunization among the public. However, the current situation indicates that the desired outcomes have not been achieved. He emphasized the urgent need to counter misinformation and negative propaganda regarding vaccines in order to restore public trust. Mustafa Kamal further remarked that the funds amounting to millions of dollars spent in the name of Pakistan represent a significant responsibility, and their transparent and effective utilization must remain a top priority for both the government and the Ministry of Health. The minister added that multiple meetings have already been conducted on this issue; however, the time has now come to shift focus from discussions to results-oriented action. He reiterated that the core purpose of public health initiatives is to protect people from preventable diseases, and the Ministry of Health is fully committed to this mandate. The Minister directed the relevant authorities to formulate a comprehensive strategy aimed at restoring public confidence in vaccination, ensuring transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment that effective utilization of resources can bring meaningful change and help eliminate negative perceptions surrounding vaccination, ultimately strengthening public health outcomes across the country. The participants of the meeting also discussed the launching of the second nationwide polio vaccination campaign of the year, which will cover 45 million children under the age of five across the country. The meeting was informed that from April 13 to 19, over 400, 000 frontline health workers will go door to door across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad, ensuring every child is reached, including those in the most remote and high-risk areas. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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