Meningitis vaccine shortage in Pakistan is causing serious disruptions in the country’s healthcare system. Patients, healthcare providers, and pilgrims are struggling to access this critical vaccine as demand surges and supply dwindles. Since the suspension of local vaccine production, Pakistan has become entirely dependent on imports to meet its immunization needs. Unfortunately, persistent procurement issues and supply chain delays continue to worsen the meningitis vaccine shortage, giving rise to black market activity and inflated prices.
Recently, Karachi residents experienced a severe lack of meningitis vaccines. Arsalan, a 19-year-old patient at a hospital in North Nazimabad, battled meningitis symptoms for several days. After a local clinic referred him to a hospital, tests confirmed his diagnosis. Doctors immediately recommended the meningitis vaccine, but his family struggled to find it at any regular pharmacy.
“We searched everywhere. Eventually, we found the vaccine in a wholesale market for Rs10,000,” said Arsalan’s family. “We had to take out a loan to buy it. The government should make these vaccines readily available in public hospitals.”
The vaccine shortage didn’t just affect patients like Arsalan—it also caused distress among pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah and Hajj. A month prior, Saudi authorities had made the meningitis vaccine mandatory for all pilgrims. With over 179,000 Pakistani pilgrims set to perform Hajj this year and hundreds of thousands more planning for Umrah during Shaban and Ramazan, demand skyrocketed.
While Pakistan had imported 54,000 doses of the vaccine, this quantity was nowhere near enough to cover the growing number of travelers. Fortunately, Saudi officials later withdrew the mandatory vaccination requirement, easing the pressure on Pakistan’s limited supply.
Dr. Akram Sultan, former Director of Health Karachi, explained the severity of meningitis:
“Meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be viral, bacterial, or even caused by tuberculosis (TB). Key symptoms include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Loss of balance
- Vomiting”
Dr. Sultan noted that the Saudi government’s initial vaccination mandate created an unexpected surge in demand, worsening the meningitis vaccine shortage in Pakistan.
Pakistan currently does not produce vaccines domestically. As a result, the country relies entirely on imported supplies. Just a few months ago, the meningitis vaccine was available for Rs4,000. However, after recent imports through two multinational companies, the retail price rose to Rs6,000. On the black market, prices now range from Rs8,000 to Rs12,000.
Asim Rauf, CEO of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), shared an important update:
“The Saudi government has officially revoked its requirement for the meningitis vaccine for Pakistani pilgrims. The earlier directive, issued on January 7, required airlines to enforce this rule at all Saudi airports. But as of February 6, 2025, the General Authority of Civil Aviation has confirmed its suspension.”
However, Rauf clarified that the polio vaccination requirement remains in place for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
- Meningitis vaccine shortage has led to price hikes and black-market exploitation in Pakistan.
- Patients and pilgrims alike are facing challenges accessing the vaccine.
- Saudi Arabia’s revised policies have helped ease immediate vaccine demand.
- Pakistan’s healthcare system remains vulnerable due to its dependence on imported vaccines.
The meningitis vaccine shortage highlights the urgent need for Pakistan to resume local vaccine production and strengthen its healthcare infrastructure. Ensuring affordable and accessible vaccines can protect countless lives and prevent future crises.