THE deaths of at least 144 children from measles and diphtheria in four major tertiary care hospitals in Karachi during the first seven months of this year are a heartbreaking reminder that Pakistan continues to lose young lives to diseases that are entirely preventable. Measles and diphtheria vaccines have long been available free of cost under the Expanded Programme for Immunization (EPI), yet thousands of children remain either unvaccinated or only partially immunized. These deaths represent not merely a public health crisis but a collective failure of the healthcare system, policymakers, communities and parents.
The reasons behind this tragedy are well known. While vaccination coverage at birth is relatively high, many children miss subsequent doses because of parental negligence, poor awareness, misinformation and weak follow-up mechanisms. Vaccine hesitancy, fueled by myths and misconceptions, continues to discourage families from completing immunization schedules. Furthermore, children are often brought to hospitals only after serious complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis have developed, significantly reducing their chances of survival. Gaps in primary healthcare, inadequate outreach in underserved communities, and inconsistent monitoring further worsen the situation. Preventing such deaths demands sustained and coordinated action. The government must strengthen routine immunization services by ensuring every child completes the full vaccination schedule rather than relying primarily on periodic vaccination campaigns. Digital vaccination records, reminder systems and community-based follow-up can help identify children who miss doses. Healthcare providers should routinely verify immunization status during every child health visit and counsel parents on the importance of timely vaccination. At the same time, public awareness campaigns must actively counter misinformation. Parents, too, must recognize that vaccination is not optional but an essential responsibility towards their children’s health. Every missed dose leaves a child vulnerable to life-threatening disease. The country has the vaccines and infrastructure needed to prevent these illnesses. What is required now is stronger accountability, improved healthcare delivery and greater public cooperation.
