Pakistan has decided to pursue joint local production of vaccines included in the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in collaboration with Saudi Arabia, following disruptions in vaccine supplies linked to regional tensions.
The decision came during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, where Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal briefed lawmakers on vaccine procurement challenges and future plans.
He informed the committee that a high-level Saudi delegation is scheduled to visit Pakistan on January 28 to advance discussions on cooperation.
The minister told the committee that Pakistan has historically sourced EPI vaccines from Indian manufacturers through international partners. However, following recent bilateral tensions, Indian manufacturers declined to supply vaccines intended for Pakistan, even through third-party channels, affecting supply continuity.
Pakistan currently procures vaccines worth approximately $350 to $400 million annually. Around 51 percent of the cost is met through domestic funding, while the remaining amount is covered by development partners, including Gavi, UNICEF, the World Health Organization, the Gates Foundation, and Rotary International. Kamal said this external support is expected to end by 2030, after which Pakistan will be required to fully fund its immunisation programme.
To address this situation, the government has submitted a National Vaccine Policy to the prime minister. The policy proposes the creation of a National Vaccine Alliance involving local pharmaceutical companies under a public-private partnership model.
The minister said Pakistan reviewed partnership options with several countries before selecting Saudi Arabia. Under the proposed framework, vaccine production would begin with packaging and finishing, followed by a gradual shift toward full-scale local manufacturing. Pakistan currently requires approximately 140 million EPI vaccine doses each year.