Lahore: In a recent statement, Professor Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, President of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, underscored the critical importance of bolstering immunization efforts to protect children in Pakistan. His remarks coincide with World Immunization Week and highlight the lifesaving role of vaccines in reducing child mortality and combating diseases such as polio and measles.
According to Minhaj-Ul-Quran International, Dr. Qadri lauded the World Health Organization (WHO) for its exemplary contributions to global health and humanitarian efforts. He highlighted Pakistan's immunization program, initiated in 1978, which has reportedly saved the lives of approximately 2.6 million children and provided medical protection to millions of mothers and children. He noted that efforts since 1994 have led to a 99.8% reduction in polio cases in Pakistan, which he described as an extraordinary achievement. Additionally, WHO reports indicate that immunization programs have contributed to a 17% reduction in child mortality in the country.
Dr. Qadri stressed the necessity for state intervention to ensure vaccines reach every child. He expressed concern over the 16,000 measles cases reported in Pakistan in 2025, with a significant portion occurring among unvaccinated children. He urged the government to address this gap and prevent any child from being deprived of vaccination. Dr. Qadri also emphasized the role of religious scholars and the media in raising awareness and promoting the importance of immunization as a public health priority.