DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Expanded Programme on Immunization in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has achieved significant progress in immunisation coverage, reduction in missed children and strengthened surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases through sustained and coordinated efforts.
Officials said the province continued to demonstrate steady improvement in its Routine Immunisation (RI) programme by overcoming operational, security and access challenges through strategic planning, digital innovation and enhanced accountability. These efforts have led to measurable gains in service delivery, data quality and immunisation outcomes.
A major milestone has been the expansion of geographical access to vaccination services. According to the National Electronic Immunization Registry, over five million children are currently registered across the province. Fixed vaccination centres are functioning alongside thousands of monthly outreach sessions, particularly in hard-to-reach and previously underserved areas, including the merged districts.
Officials said service utilisation had also improved, with routine immunisation coverage increasing steadily. Penta-3 coverage has surpassed 80 per cent in several districts, while the number of zero-dose children has declined. Dropout rates between Penta-1 and Penta-3 have fallen below 10 per cent in most districts, indicating improved follow-up and defaulter tracking.
The expansion of NEIR has played a key role in improving performance by enabling real-time digital registration and tracking of children. This has helped vaccinators identify missed cases, reduce duplication and ensure timely vaccinations, while also strengthening microplanning and targeted interventions in low-performing areas.
Cold chain and vaccine logistics systems have also been reinforced, ensuring functional equipment at vaccination sites and uninterrupted vaccine availability, even in remote and security-sensitive regions.
Officials said capacity building remained a central focus, with regular training of frontline workers, including vaccinators and supervisors, on safe immunisation practices, data use and community engagement. These efforts are supported by continuous supervision and monitoring.
Regular performance review meetings led by senior officials, including Shahid Ullah Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shafi Ullah Khan, Mehtab Khan and Shahab Ali Shah, have strengthened oversight, coordination and accountability through data-driven decision-making.
Speaking on the occasion, Director EPI Mehtab Khan said the province had made notable progress due to strong teamwork, improved field monitoring and effective use of digital tools. He added that expansion of NEIR, better microplanning and focused outreach in hard-to-reach areas had contributed to improved coverage and reduced the number of missed children.
He reaffirmed that the programme remained committed to ensuring equitable access to life-saving vaccines for every child in the province, adding that efforts would continue to strengthen service delivery, improve data quality and enhance accountability.
Officials said these comprehensive measures had resulted in improved immunisation coverage, fewer missed children and stronger surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases across the province.
