Islamabad, 19 November 2025 — In a major advancement toward strengthening Pakistan’s national immunization system, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) have formally signed the EPI–PEI Synergy Framework.

The Framework was presented and endorsed at the NEOC, led by the Prime Minister’s Focal Person, Ayesha Raza Farooq, and attended by DG FDI, Dr. Soofia Yunus, along with the National Coordinator of NEOC–PEI. This demonstrated high-level leadership support and underscored a unified commitment to improving child health outcomes through integrated action.

Leadership also acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of the EPI–PEI Synergy Task Team, led by the National Technical Focal Person PEI, for their strong follow-up and successful completion of this important milestone.

“This synergy marks a new era of integration, ensuring that every child receives life-saving vaccines through a more efficient and responsive system,” said the PMFP Ayesha Raza Farooq, praising the collective resolve to accelerate progress.

The DG FDI highlighted that the Framework will help “improve planning, streamline operations, and maximize the reach of routine immunization services, especially in high-risk areas and underserved areas.”

Mr. Muhammed Anwaarul Haq, National Coordinator, NEOC emphasized, “Closer alignment between the two programmes will help sustain polio and routine immunization gains, close immunity gaps, and deliver stronger outcomes for communities across the country.”

The EPI–PEI Synergy Framework aims to optimize workforce capacity, enhance surveillance, integrate outreach, and boost coverage through coordinated service delivery nationwide. Through this strengthened collaboration, NEOC and FDI reaffirmed their commitment to protect every child from vaccine-preventable diseases including polio.

Note for the Editor:

Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by poliovirus mainly affecting children under the age of five years. It invades the nervous system and can cause paralysis or even death. While there is no cure for polio, vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from this disease. Each time a child under the age of five is vaccinated, their protection against the virus is increased. Repeated immunisations have protected millions of children from polio, allowing almost all countries in the world to become polio-free, besides the two endemic countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

For further information, please contact: Mr. Syed Farhan Shah, Public Relations Officer, NEOC, +923165011808, syed.farhanshah1990@gmail.com