In the heart of Basti Sahu village, Rajanpur, a giggly four-month-old named Husna eagerly awaits her turn for vaccinations, comfortably nestled in her mother's lap. Nasreen, her devoted mother, knows that this moment is crucial for her daughter's health.

The aftermath of the catastrophic floods in 2022 wreaked havoc across 45 districts in Pakistan, including Rajanpur, damaging nearly 450 health facilities and crippling vital vaccine storage systems. The tragedy left communities scrambling for essential health services.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF, immunization services in these flood-ravaged areas are on the mend. They are busy repairing damaged equipment, training healthcare providers, and bringing vaccinations directly to the communities that need them most.

"The floods took everything from us—our homes, schools, and healthcare. For over two months, we were living in tents, but we've rebuilt our lives and now have access to vaccinations that protect our children," Nasreen shares, reflecting on her village's resilience.

Community Power: Vaccines at Your Doorstep!

Local residents are stepping up, transforming vaccination services by hosting temporary outreach sites, or 'kit stations,' in schools and homes. This grassroots initiative significantly reduces the barriers to access, ensuring that every child can receive their vaccines.

Using community influencers and local mosques to spread the word, vaccination rates are rising. "We once hesitated to vaccinate our children, but thanks to ongoing education from health workers, we’ve changed that mindset. Now, getting our kids vaccinated is a priority," Nasreen proudly states.

Establishing these kit stations has become a game changer—one such station in Basti Shahu is located in a small room offered by a community leader, making vaccinations accessible for everyone.

Adnan Haider, a dedicated vaccinator with the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), expertly administers critical vaccines to Husna, guarding her against diseases like polio, diphtheria, and pneumonia. With training in effective communication, Adnan works tirelessly to address any vaccine-related skepticism in the community.

Revitalizing the Cold Chain for Immunization Success

Adnan's role is vital, especially given the challenges posed by the damaged cold chain infrastructure due to the floods. "Previously, delivering vaccines to remote areas was nearly impossible. Vaccinators had to travel lengthy distances just to retrieve vaccines. This all changed thanks to our partnership with UNICEF and Gavi," explains Muhammad Altaf, District Superintendent Vaccination (DSV) in Rajanpur.

Through swift collaboration, over 210 units of cold chain equipment have been replaced, and an additional 144 units repaired. This progress means uninterrupted immunization services are again possible for millions of children across five provinces.

Utilizing solar-powered refrigerators has particularly transformed vaccine management in areas with unstable electricity, drastically lowering costs and delivery times. Muhammad Altaf adds, "This improvement has significantly boosted the quality and reliability of immunization services. Our children deserve the best, and we’re making sure they get it!"

In a nation rebuilding from disaster, community-led efforts are not just revitalizing health services; they are instilling hope and ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive.