Balochistan’s New Generation Fully Protected Against 12 Deadly Diseases – But How?
Report by: Murtaza Zaib Zehri
Quetta: In Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, a major milestone has been achieved in the fight against deadly childhood diseases.
The province’s routine immunization program, which safeguards children against 12 life-threatening illnesses, has made remarkable progress.
Coverage, which had stagnated at 37 percent over the past four years, has surged past the 50 percent mark in just one year.
This achievement is the result of a combination of political will and tireless effort by health officials.
At the forefront of this drive is Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakr, who prioritized the health sector upon taking office and accelerated efforts against polio as well as 12 other critical diseases.
The minister’s personal involvement is evident in his monthly review meetings, where he closely monitors the program’s progress.
“Until our children are healthy, the province cannot progress,” he emphasizes.
Under his leadership, the Health Department has introduced digital systems, health cards for free treatment, and modern medical equipment in hospitals, ensuring comprehensive healthcare access.
Another key figure in this success story is Dr. Aftab, head of EPI Balochistan.
With extensive experience in polio eradication programs, he was chosen to lead this critical mission.
Dr. Aftab developed a comprehensive roadmap that transformed the entire immunization system.
According to him, structural reforms were the first step.
“We redirected experienced vaccinators from the polio program to routine immunization and monitored their work using an electronic registry (NEIR),” he explained.
Vaccinators now receive fuel allowances directly and based on performance.
Task forces at provincial and divisional levels analyze daily data to ensure timely interventions.
Experts say that if Balochistan achieves 90 percent vaccination coverage, hospital overcrowding could significantly decrease.
Currently, immunization targets diseases such as hepatitis, measles, tuberculosis, polio, meningitis, and other deadly infections.
Dr. Aftab notes that neighboring countries like Iran enjoy 99 percent coverage, which helps reduce hospital congestion.
“We aim to reach the same level so that families can save the $80–$90 annually spent on medical treatment,” he said.
For Balochistan’s government, this progress is a significant achievement.
Once a system plagued by inefficiency, the province now offers digital medical stores, free surgeries, and modern dialysis facilities accessible to the general public.
Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakr, Dr. Aftab, and their team have demonstrated that with clear intent and strategic planning, even limited resources can achieve major health milestones.
