How families and community leaders are helping protect children through immunization
Pakistan:
Protecting children from disease takes more than just vaccines. It also takes parents, grandparents, health workers and community leaders who encourage others to vaccinate their children.
Across Pakistan, these champions are helping families understand why vaccination matters. Their conversations are building trust and helping children receive life-saving vaccines.
Parents Leading by Example
For Farwa, the decision to vaccinate her four-month-old son, Zain, was never in doubt.
"Everyone in our community vaccinates their children. We all want them to grow up healthy. As parents, it is our duty to protect them from disease."
Shazia, the mother of nine-month-old Aasia, feels the same.
"I make sure my daughter receives every vaccine and health check. I want her to grow up healthy and safe. Nothing makes me happier than knowing she is protected."
For many families, vaccination has become a normal part of giving children the best possible start in life.
Communities Supporting Families
Grandparents and other family members also play an important role.
One grandmother in Rawalpindi makes sure her grandson never misses a vaccination visit.
"I am usually the one at home with him. When vaccinators come, I always bring him to the door. It is my responsibility to make sure he gets every vaccine."
Even children remind each other.
Tajarya Najam Ghulam tells her two-year-old niece that both she and her favourite doll need their vaccines. The little girl happily runs downstairs whenever vaccinators visit.
Building Trust
Health workers and community leaders help answer questions and address concerns.
Religious scholar Mufti Laeeq Ahmad Ghaznavi regularly speaks with families about vaccination.
"People often ask whether vaccines are allowed in Islam. We explain the medical facts and religious guidance. Families leave feeling confident that vaccination protects their children." Lady Health Worker Gulbashra says support from her family has helped her build trust in her community.
"My mother-in-law speaks with families while I vaccinate children. Together, we have helped many parents accept vaccination."
Protecting Every Child
Behind every vaccinated child is someone who chose to protect them.
Whether it is a parent, grandparent, health worker, teacher or religious leader, each person plays a part in keeping children safe from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Their shared commitment is helping more children receive the vaccines they need and bringing Pakistan closer to a healthier future.
