The Government of Balochistan has sought assistance from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) to frame a sampling design for an immunization coverage survey across all 36 districts of the province.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Statistician of PBS, the Planning and Development Department of Balochistan emphasized the importance of conducting a comprehensive household survey titled ‘Immunization and Coverage Survey.’ The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Health Department, Provincial Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) teams, academia, and other relevant stakeholders.

The survey, which is being conducted under the National Health Support Program (NHSP) in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, aims to assess progress in immunization coverage and primary healthcare indicators.

The key objectives include evaluating progress since the last Third-Party Verifications Immunization Coverage Survey (TPVICS) to ensure alignment with national immunization targets; maintaining consistency in data collection and methodology for trend analysis across provinces; and conducting a detailed analysis of neonatal, pediatric, and polio-related health trends.

Furthermore, the PBS has been requested to assist the Bureau of Statistics, Balochistan, in designing a sample framework targeting 60-70 Primary Sampling Units (PSUs) in each district. This will serve as the foundation for data collection.

The Bureau of Statistics, Balochistan, will take charge of developing the survey questionnaire and coordinating field activities in collaboration with district-level EPI teams, the health department, and other stakeholders.

The survey is expected to play a crucial role in improving immunization coverage and addressing key healthcare challenges in Balochistan, ensuring that the province meets its national health targets.