PMA issues red alert over 651,000 zero-dose children

The Pakistan Medical Association has declared a national public health emergency due to a significant number of 'zero-dose' children, who have not received essential vaccinations. With 651,000 infants lacking the first dose of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, the country faces a serious risk of preventable childhood mortality.

The PMA attributes this crisis to governance failures and a weak immunization system. This alarming situation highlights the urgent need for an audit of health funds and improvements in the healthcare framework to protect vulnerable children in Pakistan.