Pakistan

Pakistan

Pakistan has a land area of 796,096 and a population of 235 million people.48 Of this, 51 percent are men and 49 percent are women.49 Percentage of the child population of 0 -1 4 years is 34 percent (80 million).

Pakistan has the world’s second-highest number of out-of-school children (OOSC). 5 million children are not enrolled in primary schools and 11.4 million between 10 – 14 years have not received education. Boys outnumber girls in all levels of education. There are significant disparities among the different provinces and regions and between the urban and rural sectors. Gender norms result in many inequalities. Girls are less likely to access services than boys. Poorer children are disadvantaged in the context of social protection. Access to services in remote areas is less.

Existing policies should be reviewed and strengthened to provide better protection for children. Islam is the state religion in Pakistan. 96 percent of the population is Sunni or Shia Muslim while the remaining 4 percent includes Ahmadi Muslims; Hindus; Christians, including Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and Protestants, among others; Parsis/Zoroastrians; Baha’is; Sikhs; Buddhists; Kalash; Kihals; and Jains. 80 to 85 percent of the Muslim population are Sunnis while 15 to 20 percent are Shia including ethnic Hazara, Ismaili, and Bohra.

The polio program in Pakistan is threatened by an anti-vaccination campaign. In that context religious leaders were the most credible and influential partners for disseminating information to support immunization. In addition, religious organizations have the largest network and presence across the country, including in the most remote, marginalized, and at-risk communities. Partnership with the National Islamic Advisory Group and provincial scholars’ taskforces brings together renowned and influential religious leaders to support efforts to eradicate polio. In addition, a cadre of Religious Support Persons identified from every denomination have contributed to polio and other immunization campaigns through social mobilization and community engagement, particularly to address vaccination refusal in certain areas.

FPCC in Pakistan

Evidence Briefs

Faith, Gender and Immunization: Overcoming Barriers to Polio Eradication in Pakistan and Afghanistan

The evidence brief examines the linkages between religious beliefs and gender barriers and their impact on polio immunization in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It begins by identifying the major barriers to vaccination uptake in both countries, including the impact of religious beliefs and sociocultural gender norms that limit women’s mobility, education, and empowerment opportunities for polio immunization. It also identifies various global declarations and proclamations, including from religious bodies that endorse and encourage polio vaccination. It analyzes the religious beliefs undermining vaccination as well as the religious justifications for it. It also includes case studies from Nigeria and India, which share similar challenges with Pakistan and Afghanistan in their fight to end polio. Finally, it provides actionable recommendations for various stakeholders, including religious leaders who are very influential in both countries, to improve vaccine uptake and chart the path to a polio-free world.