Launch of the Evidence Brief: Faith, Gender and Immunization- Overcoming Barriers to Polio Eradication in Pakistan and Afghanistan
- rmadhusudan
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Commissioned by UNICEF ROSA and developed under the Faith and Positive Change for Children, Families and Communities (FPCC) programme by the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI), the evidence brief on Faith, Gender and Immunization- Overcoming Barriers to Polio Eradication in Pakistan and Afghanistan authored by authored by Haleemah Oladamade Ahmad was published in January 2026.
The evidence brief provides critical insights on addressing gender-related barriers, strengthening community trust and improving immunization in complex contexts.
This evidence brief examines how faith, gender norms, and intersecting vulnerabilities shape immunization outcomes in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Drawing on a targeted review of academic and grey literature, national consultations, and insights from a regional dissemination dialogue convened with UNICEF and partners, the analysis explores why immunization efforts continue to miss children despite repeated campaigns, extensive surveillance systems and significant investments.
The evidence brief was developed by numerous religious scholars and institutions in Pakistan and Afghanistan, including Alliance for Rethinking Coalition (ARC), a Multi Faith Action Committee for Pakistan under the umbrella of FPCC, Mutaheda Ullama Council, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), and TAVOON Ullama Council in
Afghanistan.
Evidence indicates that the remaining barriers to polio eradication are not primarily technical or biomedical, but are rooted in social, gendered, religious, and structural factors that influence trust, access to services and household decision-making.
Prior to the launch, Religions for Peace, JLI and UNICEF convened a regional consultation in conjunction with GPEI, WHO, faith actors, technical experts, and immunization partners, to further examine the findings from the evidence review and national consultations. The webinar created a space for cross-country learning and critical reflection, allowing stakeholders from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the broader South Asia region to interrogate evidence, share programme experience, and highlight emerging challenges.
The resource guide can be accessed here- Faith, Gender and Immunization: Overcoming Barriers to Polio Eradication in Pakistan and Afghanistan - JLI
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