Pakistan urges UNICEF to step in over Indian Vaccine Supply delays

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health has contacted UNICEF to raise concerns over delays by India in supplying polio, measles, and typhoid vaccines, News reported, citing sources.

Sources said Pakistan has asked UNICEF to urgently resolve the issue to make sure these essential vaccines arrive on time. UNICEF has assured Pakistan that it will work quickly to fix the problem. The organization has already purchased over 17 million doses for Pakistan, worth about Rs. 27 billion. UNICEF has covered 60% of the cost, while Pakistan has paid the remaining 40%.

According to sources, the Indian manufacturer was supposed to deliver the vaccines to UNICEF by early July. However, it is reportedly using delaying tactics, disrupting the supply chain.

It is worth noting that in 2023, Pakistan and UNICEF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen efforts to eradicate polio. Pakistan had already declared a state of emergency against polio in 2011 and launched a nationwide campaign to fight the disease.

The government has invested heavily in the Polio Emergency Program, committing $155 million of its funds, and securing an additional $100 million from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to support the mission.

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