AKF launches $7.2m nutrition, immunisation services in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) has launched a new $7.2 million programme to improve nutrition and immunisation services for one million mothers and children in some of the most marginalised areas across four provinces in Pakistan. This initiative is being implemented in partnership with federal and provincial governments, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and The Power of Nutrition (TPoN).

Pakistan faces critical child health challenges, including the third-highest child mortality rate and a severe shortfall in essential immunisations. Approximately 1.2 million children have not received necessary vaccinations, with the most vulnerable and under-nourished children also being the least likely to be immunised. This programme aims to address these gaps by delivering integrated nutrition and immunisation services, which are essential in combating malnutrition and infectious diseases.

The programme will focus on seven districts where the need is most urgent: Diamir, Astore, Gilgit, Sibi, Bolan, Usta Muhammad, Thatta, and Sajawal. Through a comprehensive approach, the initiative will work on strengthening health systems, promoting social behaviour change to increase demand for services, and supporting government efforts in data monitoring for evidence-based decision-making. This partnership is expected to provide vital evidence on the effectiveness of integrated service delivery in improving health, nutrition, and vaccination outcomes, while also building resilient health systems.

Akhtar Iqbal, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan, remarked, “This strategic partnership with Gavi and The Power of Nutrition offers a unique opportunity to extend an integrated package of immunisation, health, and nutrition interventions to some of the most marginalised districts in Pakistan. Through close collaboration with Federal and Provincial Expanded Programme on Immunisation Directorates, and with technical support from the Aga Khan Health Services and Aga Khan University, we aim to generate data and learning to fill critical gaps in this under-resourced area.”

Dr Tokunbo Oshin, Director, High Impact Countries at Gavi, highlighted the significance of the programme, stating, “With funding from the Aga Khan Foundation, The Power of Nutrition, and the FCDO Matching Fund, Gavi is proud to support this innovative programme. It provides a crucial opportunity to deliver essential services in remote areas and to learn how to better scale integrated service delivery, including immunisation and nutrition.”

Dr Alok Ranjan of The Power of Nutrition emphasised the need for more integrated programming, saying that the jointly funded programme promises real impact in Pakistan and sets the stage for global integration. The project, managed by The Power of Nutrition, will run from later in 2024 through 2027. Dr Zareef Uddin Khan and other provincial representatives expressed their support for the vital project.