India resumes polio, typhoid and other vaccines' supply to Pakistan after UNICEF's intervention

Islamabad: Pakistan’s persistent efforts to resolve the halt in the supply of polio, measles, and typhoid vaccines from India have borne fruit, sources in the Ministry of Health revealed.

According to insiders, the Serum Institute of India (SII) has resumed vaccine supply to UNICEF, which will begin delivering vaccines to Pakistan within this week.

Pakistan had reached out to UNICEF requesting an urgent resolution and expedited supply of vaccines.

UNICEF confirmed the purchase of over 17 million vaccine doses worth approximately PKR 2.7 billion for Pakistan, including BCG, pentavalent, pneumonia, polio, typhoid, measles, rubella, and cholera vaccines.

The funding structure involves UNICEF covering 60% of the cost, while Pakistan is responsible for the remaining 40%.

Sources revealed that India had initially promised to supply the vaccines to UNICEF at the start of July but employed delaying tactics.

UNICEF's procurement for Pakistan was not known to the Indian suppliers, who reportedly caused deliberate delays once they became aware.

This development marks a significant breakthrough in Pakistan’s vaccine procurement, ensuring the timely availability of essential immunizations.