PAKISTAN has finally approved its first National Vaccine Policy; a step the health ministry has rightly described as historic. For decades, our immunisation efforts have been guided by delivery systems such as the Expanded Programme on Immunisation. There was no unified framework governing how vaccines are produced, regulated and financed. The new policy attempts to fill that gap. At its core, the policy reflects a shift from dependence to self-reliance. Pakistan has long relied on imported vaccines and donor support to meet the needs of a large and growing population. With millions of births each year and routine immunisation requiring a steady supply of doses, this dependence has posed financial and strategic risks. By prioritising local production, the policy recognises vaccines not just as a public health tool, but as a matter of national capacity and security. It also opens the door to technology transfer, local research and a more resilient supply chain that is less exposed to global disruptions.

Equally important is coordination. A fragmented approach has long hurt efficiency, with regulation, procurement and distribution working in silos. A unified framework — if implemented well — could align government, industry and research, while strengthening standards through bodies such as the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan. Clear lines of responsibility and accountability will be essential to avoid duplication and delays. This matters not just for routine immunisation, but for future health emergencies too. However, announcing a policy is the easy part; building the system behind it is not. Local manufacturing will require sustained investment, credible regulation and the ability to meet international quality standards. Without these, self-reliance — and any hope of exports — will remain out of reach. The policy’s approval is therefore a starting point. The task now is to turn intent into capacity, and policy into reliable protection for children, vulnerable populations and future generations alike.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026