AS we mark World Immunisation Week, it is a time to reflect on the importance of vaccines, especially for children, and more so in the backdrop of an alarming rise in vaccine-preventable diseases across Pakistan. Measles has spiked in the last four years, with 122 outbreaks in Sindh alone in the past year. Measles — which is highly contagious — can bring with it severe complications and fatalities, particularly in children under five. This surge in measles and other preventable infections such as diphtheria and polio — now only endemic to Pakistan and Afghanistan — is a telling indictment of the lapses in our immunisation efforts. These efforts no doubt continue to be plagued by significant vaccine hesitancy triggered by the controversial use of vaccination campaigns to track down Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The ensuing backlash from extremist groups has included the brutal targeting of vaccine workers, adding another layer of complexity to the issue. To make matters worse, disinformation and misinformation about the intent and safety of vaccines abound, leaving many unvaccinated and vulnerable.

It is a sad state of affairs given that vaccinations have contributed to a 40pc reduction in global infant mortality rates since 1974. More recently, vaccines restored normalcy to a world that was ground to a halt by the coronavirus. But for those looking to get immunised against newer strains of the virus, there is a dearth of booster shots. Similarly, while a vaccine to protect against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis is available for children, boosters for adults are unavailable — the CDC recommends adults get a pertussis booster every 10 years, with a great emphasis that pregnant women get the shot to pass on immunity to babies. Even deadly mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria have vaccines, but they are virtually unheard of in Pakistan. The state must restore trust in vaccines. It can do so by engaging clerics and local leaders to help dispel myths and educate communities about the benefits of vaccinations. For their part, health authorities must ensure a stable supply of vaccines through improved procurement processes and ideally by increasing local production capabilities. Additionally, strengthening the cold chain infrastructure is vital to maintain vaccine efficacy. Pakistan’s approach to the coronavirus challenge was commendable; it must tackle other preventable diseases with the same seriousness.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2024