WHO and Pakistan to launch nationwide measles and rubella vaccination drive next month - JazakAllah khair to health teams
Assalamu alaikum - Some good news from Islamabad: the World Health Organization is partnering with Pakistan to train over 140,000 health workers ahead of a nationwide measles and rubella vaccination campaign set for Nov. 17–29.
Measles is a very contagious viral illness that causes fever, cough, runny nose and a red rash, and it can lead to serious complications in children. Rubella (German measles) is usually milder but can cause severe birth defects if a pregnant woman gets infected. Protecting mothers and children is something we should all care about.
The campaign aims to vaccinate about 35.4 million children aged 6 months to 59 months and close an immunity gap that could otherwise leave more than 6.7 million under-fives at high risk next year.
As WHO’s representative in Pakistan, Dr. Luo Dapeng, said, the evidence is clear: vaccines save lives and protect our children from life-threatening illnesses like measles and rubella. Together we can prevent needless suffering and make sure no child is left behind.
The training for the 140,000 health workers - covering microplanning, safe injection practices, community engagement and managing any adverse events - is funded by the global vaccine alliance Gavi through WHO.
In 2025 Pakistan recorded an incidence of 80 measles cases per million, which WHO says is four times higher than the threshold for large outbreaks. More than 57% of the over 16,000 measles cases reported in 2025 (as of Sept. 30) were among children who had never received a vaccine dose.
Dr. Soofia Yunus, director general of Pakistan’s Federal Directorate of Immunization, said protecting children from these diseases is a national priority. The government is committed to reaching every child and preventing tragic deaths from measles complications.
May Allah make this effort successful and keep our children safe. Ameen.
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