ISLAMABAD: Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal on Monday inaugurated the third phase of the Big Catch-Up Round campaign at the Basic Health Unit in Golra Islamabad.

The immunisation drive aims to reach children who missed routine vaccinations and protect them against 12 life-threatening vaccine-preventable diseases.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the minister emphasised the urgent need to scale up preventive healthcare efforts across Pakistan.

“The Big Catch-Up Round is not just an immunisation activity, it is our national resolve to protect our children. During this intensive campaign, a robust vaccination drive will be carried out across the country,” he said.

Highlighting the broader challenges in the healthcare system, he remarked, “Hospitals like Pims are not built to serve thousands of patients they now receive daily. Pakistan’s population is growing at an alarming rate of 3.6pc, the highest in the world. Every year, our population increases by the size of another country. This pressure has overwhelmed our healthcare and education systems as 25 million children are out of school due to this population surge.”

Minister Kamal drew attention to systemic issues that impact public health.

“Nearly 68pc of illnesses in Pakistan stem from drinking contaminated water. From the peaks of Gilgit to the shores of Karachi, untreated sewage is contaminating our water supplies. Unfortunately, the concept of treating sewage before disposal is almost non-existent,” he said.

On child health, he shared alarming statistics: “40% of Pakistani children are malnourished, their growth stunted due to nutritional deficiencies. Moreover, in 2025 alone, Pakistan has reported 13 confirmed polio cases, with environmental samples testing positive in nearly every district. This tells us the virus is still present and the threat is real.”

Despite this, he acknowledged the progress made. “Thanks to rigorous polio campaigns, case numbers remain low. We must remember that while cancer has a treatment, polio does not.”

WHO Representative to Pakistan, Dr. Dapeng Luo in his remarks highlighted the impact of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation saying “As we speak, every 10 seconds vaccination saves a life.

Since the Foundation of Pakistan Expanded Programme on Immunisation in 1978 in partnership with WHO, vaccines have saved and protected millions of lives in Pakistan. Like in the two previous Big Catch-Up rounds, WHO will continue to provide technical guidance and resources, and to mobilise vaccinators. Today we are also distributing motorbikes, generously donated by Gavi, to EPI vaccinators to reach the most vulnerable. — Staff Reporter