Immunization target of 90% in KP set to be achieved ahead of stipulated timeframe-Minister

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Apr, 2026) Provincial Minister for Health, Khaleeq-ur-Rehman Thursday said that immunization coverage in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is increasing steadily and hopefully the target of 90 percent set for year 2027 will be achieved in current year due to coordinated efforts by all the relevant departments.

He expressed these views while speaking as chief guest at a ceremony held in commemoration of World Immunization Week here at Police Lines hospital.

Chief Secretary KP, Shahab Ali Shah, Coordinator EOC, Shafiullah Khan, Director EPI, Dr. Mehtab Khan, WHO KP head, Dr. Babar Alam, officials of UNICEF, Health department were present on the occasion.

Health Minister said on the occasion of World Immunization Week, the health teams should make a resolve of performing their duty with passion and work tirelessly for safety of people.

He said under the Good Governance Roadmap, a target of 90 percent coverage of immunization is set for year 2027.

However, due to collective efforts and support by international donors, the goal will be achieved before its stipulated time.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Secretary KP, Shahab Ali Shah said that a lot of improvement has been brought in immunization process by focusing on data management.

Chief Secretary also lauded the role played by frontline workers who are rendering great sacrifices in the line of duty.

He said in the upcoming international meeting on polio in Geneva, the services and sacrifices being rendered by our frontline workers will be shared with participants.

Chief Secretary also thanked international donors including WHO, GAVI and UNICEF, for extending support in expanding immunization coverage in the province.

Earlier, Director General Health, Dr. Shaheen Afridi in her welcome address apprised participants that all out efforts are underway to introduce Human Papillomavirus Vaccines (HPV) in the province for prevention of cervical cancer.

She said in November 2026, a campaign would be launched for administering HPV vaccines to more than two million girls between the ages of 9 and 14 in the province.

Coordinator EOC, Shafiullah Jan said guidelines drawn in Good Governance Plan are being followed and a positive impact is visible in the form of improvement in vaccination coverage in the province.

Due to a good governance plan, the whole system has been refined, increasing the outreach of the health teams to far-flung and un-reached communities.

He said under new policy guidelines, every vaccinator is restricted to record video while administering polio drops or jabs and if a video is not recorded, the child is considered as missed in the vaccination campaign.

The reporting system of immunization is made very strict to ensure every child is reached and administered vaccine, he added.

During a talk with the media, DG Health Dr. Shaheen said Dengue Action Plan is implemented and health units are following it in letter and spirit.

She said so far around 16 cases of dengue have been reported in the province and measures have been taken to curb spread of the disease to other people.