ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have received World Health Organization (WHO) validation for eliminating the life-threatening disease of tetanus.
Both regions have achieved the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT), taking the country closer to interrupting the transmission of this life-threatening disease for mothers and newborns countrywide.
The validations were confirmed by the WHO following a weeklong final review led by WHO and UNICEF at the request of Pakistan government.
Spread of neonatal tetanus
Around 80 percent of the country’s population (190 million people) now lives in areas where the spread of neonatal tetanus remains under controlled limits – 0.1 percent or less than one case of tetanus per 1,000 live births.
Sindh recently achieved elimination in December 2024, while Punjab graduated in 2016.
“This milestone not only reflects the strength of our immunization strategies and the diligence of our frontline workers but also serves as a benchmark for the entire nation,” said Dr. Shabana Saleem, Director General, Ministry of National Health Services, and Director of the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI).
Federal and provincial governments, in partnership with UNICEF and WHO made this possible through the transformative strategies.
Combined efforts included improved immunization for women of childbearing age, pregnant women, surveillance, safer delivery practices, cord care, community engagement, improved skilled birth attendance, and enhanced access to other antenatal, maternal, newborn and child health services.
In 2024 alone, UNICEF and WHO supported the vaccination of 5.4 million pregnant women and women of childbearing age across Pakistan.
“This achievement is testament to the commitment of the Pakistani authorities and health work force, as well as the communities, to save lives and protect every mother and child from a preventable disease. To achieve prosperity and sustainable development, every country needs healthy mothers and newborns. WHO will stand by Pakistan and its partners to achieve the elimination of neonatal tetanus across the country,” said WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Dapeng Luo.
Despite progress, Pakistan remains among the 10 countries globally that have yet to eliminate MNT.
In 2024, a total of 322 cases and 6 deaths were reported across the country, although WHO experts estimate that only 30% of cases are notified to the authorities.
While MNT elimination in Islamabad Capital Territory and AJK is a major achievement, sustained efforts are needed to maintain the hard-fought gains.
“This milestone is an important step forward for maternal and child health in Pakistan. No mother or child should die from this preventable disease. UNICEF will continue to support the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to fully eliminate this disease by strengthening routine immunization and ensuring access to safe childbirth practices, so every child can survive and thrive,” said UNICEF Representative in Pakistan Abdullah Fadil.
