Immunisation coverage in Balochistan stands at 38%, the lowest in Pakistan. The province faces unique challenges in increasing routine immunisation; it is the largest province in terms of land area while being the least populated one. This means that vaccinators in Balochistan must travel long distances to vaccinate each child.

There is hope however. Mass vaccination campaigns (SIAs) have proven effective in improving immunisation coverage in Balochistan. During these campaigns, health workers establish additional outreach service points (e.g., for measles vaccination) or go door-to-door (e.g., for polio vaccination) to vaccinate children.

Applying three learnings from SIAs can help improve routine immunisation.

Resource mobilisation

Allocation of travel allowances during SIAs incentivises vaccinators to conduct outreach vaccinations effectively. However, during RI outreach activities, these allowances are either not paid or are delayed. Ensuring timely and complete disbursement of travel allowances can help increase coverage through outreach activities.

Better planning

For SIAs, the Health Department leverages the polio program’s expertise and field staff to develop guidelines on resource utilisation, timelines and targets of specific areas. Collaboration with the polio program on RI outreach planning can help Balochistan improve its immunisation coverage.

Enhanced supervision 

During SIAs, Union Council (UC) health staff, such as paramedics and doctors, are responsible for monitoring vaccination activities. However, UC-level monitoring and supervision are absent for RI. Utilising the existing supervisory workforce or recruiting new supervisors to reinforce supervision can lead to better implementation of routine outreach plans.

Despite better outcomes, SIAs require intensive planning and resources and hence are unsustainable over an extended period of time. However, applying learnings from SIAs can help strengthen routine immunisation.