June 19, 2026 | Peshawar/Islamabad, Pakistan

In a groundbreaking achievement that brings hope to millions of mothers and newborns across Pakistan, the World Health Organization (WHO), working in partnership with UNICEF, has officially pre-validated the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on June 19, 2026. This remarkable milestone means that approximately 250 million people—representing 94% of Pakistan's total population—now live in regions where this life-threatening disease has been brought under control, with less than 1 case per 1,000 live births.

The Heroes Behind This Success

This extraordinary achievement didn't happen by accident. It's the result of years of dedicated work by thousands of healthcare workers who refused to give up, even in the most challenging circumstances. At the heart of this effort were approximately 12,000 Lady Health Workers—brave women who walked mile after mile through remote villages, mountainous regions, and hard-to-reach areas to ensure every pregnant woman received the care she needed.

These Lady Health Workers, along with thousands of vaccinators and frontline health staff, formed the backbone of a comprehensive strategy that included:

• Improved immunization programs for pregnant women and women of childbearing age
• Enhanced disease surveillance to quickly identify and respond to any cases
• Community engagement to educate families about safe practices
• Safer delivery practices and improved skilled birth attendance
• Better cord care for newborns
• Enhanced access to antenatal, maternal, newborn, and child health services

What Leaders Are Saying

Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Pakistan, emphasized the significance of this achievement: "This achievement shows the commitment of Pakistan's authorities and its health workforce, as well as the communities, to saving lives and protecting every mother and child from a preventable disease. To achieve prosperity and sustainable development, every country needs healthy mothers and newborns. WHO will stand by Pakistan and its partners to achieve the elimination of neonatal tetanus across the country and protect every family, no matter where they live or who they are."

The Road Ahead

While this is a moment for celebration, the work isn't finished yet. Pakistan remains committed to eliminating neonatal tetanus across all provinces and territories. The success in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provides a blueprint for other regions to follow, proving that elimination is possible even in the most challenging environments.

The partnership between the national and provincial governments, WHO, UNICEF, and local communities will continue to strengthen immunization systems, expand access to quality healthcare services, and ensure that every mother and child—regardless of where they live or their economic status—has the opportunity to live a healthy life.