Islamabad (Zahid Yaqoob Khawaja): In a significant milestone for maternal and child health, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and Pakistan-Administered Kashmir (PAK) have officially eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT), bringing Pakistan closer to eradicating this life-threatening disease nationwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the achievement following a comprehensive review conducted in collaboration with UNICEF at the request of the Federal Government.

With this progress, around 80% of Pakistan’s population—approximately 190 million people—now reside in areas where neonatal tetanus transmission remains under control, defined as fewer than one case per 1,000 live births. This success follows Sindh’s MNT elimination in December 2024 and Punjab’s achievement 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 of the Ministry of National Health Services and Director of the Federal Directorate of Immunization (FDI).

Comprehensive Strategy Behind the Success

The elimination of MNT in ICT and PAK is the result of coordinated efforts between the national and regional governments, WHO, and UNICEF. Key strategies included:

Increased immunization coverage for pregnant women and women of childbearing age

Enhanced surveillance and community engagement

Promotion of safer delivery practices and improved skilled birth attendance

Better access to maternal, newborn, and child health services


In 2024 alone, WHO and UNICEF supported the vaccination of 5.4 million women in Pakistan.

“This achievement is a testament to the commitment of Pakistani authorities, healthcare workers, and communities to saving lives. Healthy mothers and newborns are essential for sustainable development. WHO will continue supporting Pakistan in eliminating neonatal tetanus nationwide,” said Dr. Dapeng Luo, WHO Representative in Pakistan.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite progress, Pakistan remains one of 10 countries worldwide yet to fully eliminate MNT. In 2024, the country reported 322 cases and six deaths, though WHO experts estimate that only 30% of cases are officially documented.

To sustain the progress, Pakistan must continue strengthening routine immunization and ensuring safe childbirth practices. UNICEF Representative Abdullah Fadil reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment:

“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 supporting the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to fully eliminate MNT.”

WHO and UNICEF are now focusing on Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan, aiming for nationwide elimination by 2028.

Pakistan’s continued progress toward eliminating MNT marks a crucial victory for public health, promising a safer future for mothers and newborns across the country.