16/09/2026
NICC Reviews and Endorses Proposed Hexavalent Vaccine Switch in Pakistan 💉🇵🇰
The National Inter-Agency Coordination Committee (NICC) met today under the chairmanship of Syed Mustafa Kamal, Honourable Federal Minister for Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination Islamabad to deliberate on the proposed introduction of the Hexavalent Vaccine in The Expanded Programme on Immunization - Pakistan
Speaking on the occasion, the chair Syed Mustafa Kamal, Federal Minister for NHSR&C, said that the Hexavalent Vaccine Switch is “like a dream coming true,” highlighting the importance of the transition for strengthening routine immunization and supporting polio eradication efforts, particularly in challenging areas. He noted that the Ministry has been pursuing the case with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, for the past 14 months and described the Hexavalent vaccine switch as a major opportunity and a long-awaited milestone for Pakistan’s immunization programme.
Honourable Minister also thanked Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, Gates and other partners for their support in facilitation to proceed with this prime agenda set by the Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan and Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination.
Dr. Musa Khan, Director General, Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI), presented an overview of the proposed Hexavalent Vaccine Switch, highlighting its significance for strengthening Pakistan’s immunization programme and streamlining vaccination delivery. The DG FDI then invited the forum members for their reviews, endorsements for the proposed switch and Pakistan’s application for Hexavalent vaccine.
Dr. Naveed, Director Health Services Expanded Program on Immunization Punjab agreed with the proposed switch and apprised the forum that formal concurrence was being processed in the Chief Secretary’s office. It would be shared with FDI once obtained.
Dr Rajkumar, Project Director, EPI Sindh confirmed that the province had already submitted its concurrence and supported the proposed transition.
Dr. Sohail Farooqi, Director EPI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa confirmed that Government of KP had provided concurrence.
Dr. Aftab Kakar , Provincial Coordinator EPI Balochistan stated that the Government of Balochistan had provided concurrence on 27 August 2026 and had agreed to meet any additional financial burden arising for the province.
Dr Shahid Yunis, Chairman, NITAG, formally supported approval of the switch. He stated that the group had rigorously reviewed clinical, epidemiological and programmatic evidence and had completed its technical due diligence, leaving the policy decision to NICC.
Carrie Gheen, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance Representative for Pakistan, welcomed the broad agreement on the proposed plan. She noted that receipt of Punjab’s formal concurrence would complete that aspect of the application as planned.
Deputy Country Representative World Health Organization- Pakistan, Ms. Ellan Thom appreciated the leadership of the Minister of Health, FDI, provincial EPI programmes, NITAG and partners. Its intervention supported timely and sustainable financing and cold chain readiness, and recognized strong coordination between the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI).
Dr. Gunter Boussery, representing the UNICEF Pakistan Country Representative, endorsed the switch for its potential to improve IPV coverage and called for adjustments to the service delivery strategy to reduce dropouts.
The NICC Chair and members held detailed discussions and provided their concurrence and endorsement of the proposed Hexavalent Vaccine Switch, marking an important step towards its introduction in Pakistan.
Together, we continue to strengthen Pakistan’s immunization programme and advance towards a healthier future for every child. 🌍
Reported by EPI Qilla Abdullah
