AKF launches $7.2 million nutrition and immunization program

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) has announced the launch of a new $7.2 million nutrition and immunization program in Pakistan. The new program aims to support one million mothers and children in the most marginalized areas of four provinces. This program is implemented in partnership with the federal and provincial governments, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and The Power of Nutrition (TPoN).

Pakistan faces significant challenges in child health, with the third highest burden of child mortality and the third highest number of under-vaccinated children in the world. Almost 1.2 million children have not received basic vaccinations. The most inaccessible populations, with the highest concentrations of malnourished, malnourished, and wasted children, also have the largest number of “zero-dose” children—those who have not received any vaccine. This association indicates that children at high risk of malnutrition are also those who miss out on critical immunization services.

The provision of integrated immunization and nutrition services can provide combined strengthening benefits. Malnutrition and infectious diseases are major contributors to child morbidity and mortality, as malnutrition impairs immune responses, increases the risk of infection, and reduces vaccine efficacy. However, despite targeting the same vulnerable populations, immunization and nutrition programs often operate in isolation.

The $7.2 million program aims to support seven areas where the need is particularly high, including Diamir, Astore, Gilgit, Sibi, Bolan, Usta Muhammad, Thatta and Sajawal. Through an integrated approach, the program integrates strengthening health systems to address existing gaps in routine immunization and nutrition services, communicating social behavior change to generate demand for vaccination, and supporting regional and national governments in monitoring and reviewing data for evidence-based decision making and learning. .

The collaboration aims to provide vital evidence on the importance of integration and real-world examples that demonstrate cost-effective ways of co-delivery to improve health, nutrition and immunization outcomes while developing resilient health systems and communities.

Akhtar Iqbal, CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan, said: “The strategic and innovative partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and Power of Nutrition provides us with a unique opportunity to contribute to the SDGs by expanding an integrated package of immunization, health and nutrition interventions for children living in some of the most marginalized areas of Pakistan. Through a close partnership with the Federal and Provincial Expanded Program on Immunization Directorates, and technical support from the Aga Khan Health Services and the Aga Khan University, the program will generate data, evidence and learning to fill gaps and discover what works in this under-resourced area.”

Dr Tokunbo Oshin, Director, High Impact Countries, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, said: “Funded by the Aga Khan Foundation, The Power of Nutrition and the FCDO Matching Fund, and in partnership with the Government of Pakistan, Gavi is pleased to be able to support this innovative program, which responds to the preferences expressed by parents to be reached with a package of interventions. Through efforts to strengthen health systems, this will be a good opportunity to provide essential services in remote areas of Pakistan and learn how to better scale up the provision of comprehensive services, including vaccination and nutrition.”

“The program will generate data, evidence and learning to fill gaps and find out what works in this under-resourced sector,” Akhtar Iqbal, CEO, AKF Pakistan

Dr. For too long, nutrition and vaccination stakeholders have worked separately, despite the fact that the interventions reached similar populations and were mutually beneficial. This program promises not only real impact in Pakistan, but can help pave the way for more comprehensive programming worldwide.”

The program is co-funded by all partners and centrally managed by The Power of Nutrition, which convened the team using its unique matching model to create leverage and impact at scale. It starts later in 2024 to 2027.

Dr. Zareef Uddin Khan, National Technical Focal Person, Federal Directorate of Immunization, Dr. Inam Bharti, Deputy Director of Procurement, Federal Directorate of Immunization along with representatives of the provincial government of Sindh, Baluchistan and Gilgit Baltistan participated and ensured their support during implementation of the project.”