ISLAMABAD: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced a partnership with Pakistan to train over 140,000 health workers for a nationwide measles and rubella vaccination campaign scheduled from November 17 to 29.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, cough, runny nose, and a red rash, and can lead to serious complications in children. Rubella, or German measles, is generally milder but poses a significant risk of severe birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.
The vaccination campaign seeks to protect 35.4 million children between six months and 59 months to address an immunity gap that could leave more than 6.7 million children under five vulnerable to infection next year.
“The scientific evidence is clear: vaccines save lives and protect our children from life-threatening diseases like measles and rubella,” WHO quoted their representative in Pakistan, Dr. Luo Dapeng, as saying.
“Together, we can prevent needless suffering and leave no child behind, no matter where they live or who they are.”
The training of 140,000 health workers in microplanning, safe injection practices, community engagement, and the management of adverse events is being funded by the global vaccine alliance Gavi, through the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“In 2025, Pakistan registered an incidence rate of 80 measles cases per million, which is four times higher than the WHO threshold for measles outbreaks to be classified as ‘large and disruptive’,” the WHO noted.
“This campaign is a massive undertaking to ensure a healthier, more resilient future for our nation,” WHO quoted her as saying.
It further noted that more than 57 percent of the over 16,000 measles cases reported in 2025, as of September 30, were among children who had never received a single vaccine dose.
Dr. Soofia Yunus, Director General of Pakistan’s Federal Directorate of Immunisation, emphasised that safeguarding children from these diseases remains a “national priority.”
“The Government of Pakistan is committed to reaching every child and preventing tragic deaths associated with complications due to measles.”
According to the WHO, measles poses higher risks in poorer nations due to fragile health systems, but middle and high-income countries are also susceptible to outbreaks and fatalities.
