The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) has launched a significant $7.2 million nutrition and immunisation programme in Pakistan, aiming to support one million mothers and children in the most marginalised areas across four provinces. This initiative, implemented in collaboration with federal and provincial governments, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and The Power of Nutrition (TPoN), addresses critical gaps in child health in a country that faces the third-highest burden of child mortality globally and ranks third for the most under-vaccinated children.
The programme specifically targets the most underserved areas, including Diamir, Astore, Gilgit, Sibi, Bolan, Usta Muhammad, Thatta, and Sajawal districts, where malnutrition and lack of immunisation are most prevalent. These areas are home to “zero-dose” children—those who have not received any vaccinations—and have high concentrations of undernourished, stunted, and wasted children. The correlation between malnutrition and lack of immunisation underscores the need for an integrated approach, as malnutrition weakens immune systems, increasing the risk of infections and reducing vaccine efficacy.
The initiative aims to deliver integrated immunisation and nutrition services to reinforce health outcomes, addressing both malnutrition and preventable diseases simultaneously. The programme will also strengthen health systems, support social behaviour change communication to generate demand for immunisation, and assist in monitoring and reviewing data for evidence-based decision-making.
Akhtar Iqbal, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan, emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The programme’s approach is innovative, combining the efforts of immunisation and nutrition stakeholders who have traditionally worked in isolation, despite targeting similar vulnerable populations.
Dr. Tokunbo Oshin of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, highlighted that this programme offers a valuable opportunity to provide essential services in remote areas of Pakistan, potentially scaling up integrated service delivery. Dr. Alok Ranjan of The Power of Nutrition expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that the initiative could set a precedent for more integrated programming worldwide.
The programme, centrally managed by The Power of Nutrition, will commence later in 2024 and run through 2027. It aims to not only make a significant impact in Pakistan but also to generate data and evidence that could inform future efforts in similar contexts globally. Provincial and federal government representatives have pledged their support for the project’s implementation, highlighting the collaborative effort involved in this ambitious initiative.
