The nationwide survey aims to independently verify routine immunization coverage data reported by provincial and district authorities and to generate robust evidence to strengthen immunization services across the country.
Immunization remains one of the most effective public health interventions for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases. In Pakistan, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) has played a vital role in protecting children through routine vaccination services and TPVICS serve
Trainers being briefed on how to create clusters on their tablets for data collection
s as an important independent mechanism to assess the accuracy of reported immunization coverage and support evidence-based decision-making.
The survey is financed by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Gates Foundation. AKU is implementing the survey with the technical guidance of the Federal Directorate of Immunization under the Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination, Government of Pakistan and the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), including concurrence on the sampling frame.
TPVICS Round 3 will be carried out in all 156 administrative districts across the provinces and territories of Pakistan. The survey is designed as a district-specific assessment of routine immunization coverage and will provide critical data on the status of childhood vaccination across the country. The survey will generate independent estimates to verify progress reported by provincial EPI programmes, in agreement with the Federal EPI. These include the proportion of children aged 12-23 months who are fully immunized, district-level Penta-3 coverage, availability of vaccination cards, and immunization coverage in targeted urban areas.
"This is an extremely important survey for Pakistan. On the basis of the results of the survey, we will be able to identify areas and districts where immunization coverage exists, and how we can strengthen it. This survey is strategic and is considered important at the provincial and district level. We have conducted trainings of trainers and will conduct cascade training across the country to make sure that our data collection is accurate and assists the Government in shaping their policies to achieve immunization across Pakistan", Prof. Sajid Soofi, Director, Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, South and Central Asia.
In addition to verification of key indicators, the survey will also provide important insights into service delivery and demand-side barriers affecting immunization coverage in Pakistan. These include disparities across wealth quintiles, urban-rural residence, sex of the child, maternal education, and household living standards. The survey will also examine coverage of major antigens, sources of vaccination, reasons for under-vaccination or non-vaccination, and barriers to the use of vaccination services.
Given the need for accurate and reliable immunization data, TPVICS Round 3 will provide evidence to guide programme improvements and support strategies for enhancing routine immunization coverage in all districts of Pakistan. The findings are expected to contribute significantly to national and provincial efforts to improve child health outcomes and reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases.
AKU previously conducted TPVICS Round 1 in 2020 and Round 2 in 2022 across Pakistan. Round 3 builds on these efforts and reflects a continued commitment to transparent, independent, and high-quality monitoring of immunization coverage nationwide.
