Aga Khan University’s Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health Launches Immunization Project in Balochistan

The Aga Khan University’s Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health (CoEWCH) at Aga Khan University, in collaboration with the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Balochistan, has launched the Strengthening Routine Immunization Project (SRIP) in Quetta.

This project will be implemented across seven underserved districts—Quetta, Killa Abdullah, Chaman, Pishin, Mastung, Sibi, and Zhob—aiming to significantly improve routine immunization coverage and child health outcomes. Funded by the Gates Foundation, this initiative marks a critical step toward reducing immunization inequities, supporting evidence-based policymaking, and ensuring no child is left behind in these high-need areas.

SRIP will strengthen immunization services at fixed and outreach sites, increase community awareness through Lady Health Workers and health counsellors, and enhance monitoring and data systems. The project prioritizes accountability and collaboration with government EPI teams, leveraging the National Electronic Immunization Registry (NEIR) for real-time progress tracking.

The launch event brought together key provincial and district health officials and representatives from global and national organizations including WHO, Gavi, and UNICEF. Distinguished attendees included leadership from the Government of Balochistan; the Director General of the Lady Health Worker Programme; senior representatives from the National Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Gates Foundation, EPI; and AKU leadership.

A Letter of Cooperation was also signed between AKU and the Health Department. Professor  Sajid Soofi, Professor of Pediatrics and Associate Director at the Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, signed on behalf of AKU, while Mr Mujeeb ur Rehman, Secretary of Health, Government of Balochistan, signed for the provincial government.

Mr Imtiaz Hussain, Assistant Professor at AKU and the Principal Investigator of the project provided an overview of the project’s preparatory phase, including district-specific needs assessments, and outlined the roadmap for effective implementation. On the other hand, Dr Shabina Ariff, Professor of Paediatrics and Co-Principal Investigator of the project, extended gratitude to the Gates Foundation, EPI Programme, and the Government of Balochistan. “Time is of the essence,” she stated. “We must build a sustainable system where no child is left behind.”

Capt. (R) Anwar-ul-Haq, Coordinator, National Emergency Operation Centre commended the collaboration between AKU and the Government of Balochistan. He expressed trust in AKU’s capacity to deliver impactful results, based on its strong presence in hard-to-reach areas of South KP. He also emphasized the complementary role of the Polio Eradication Programme and called for strengthened routine immunization as a cornerstone for achieving polio eradication.

Mr Mujeeb ur Rehman thanked the Gates Foundation, AKU, and health leadership at all levels for their dedication and collaboration. He emphasized the significance of SRIP in enhancing healthcare delivery in marginalized areas and announced upcoming digital innovations, including AI-enabled surveillance systems in tertiary care hospitals to improve monitoring and accountability.