Slums, Underserved Areas of Quetta City of Balochistan

Global immunization coverage is increasing progressively, but there is still a long way to achieve sustainable development goals in this regard. According to UNICEF and the World Health Organization, Pakistan stands third in the top ten countries in the world with high numbers of under and unvaccinated children. As of July 2019, 958,000 children in Pakistan were unvaccinated against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTP1). Within the country, there are regions and provinces with even more vulnerable children, such as Balochistan, which has the lowest immunization rates in the country. This report focuses on in-depth profiling of slums and underserved areas in Quetta city, located in Balochistan province, to compile information on the number of slums and underserved areas, availability of Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) facilities and health facilities, and other socio-economic factors.

Quetta City, the capital of Balochistan province, has a population of approximately 2 million. Out of this population, 35% reside in slums and underserved areas. These areas are characterized by inadequate housing, lack of basic amenities, and limited access to healthcare and social services. The presence of slums and underserved areas in Quetta is a significant concern, as they are home to some of the most vulnerable populations in the city.

An in-depth profiling of slums and underserved areas in Quetta City has revealed that there are 315 such areas spread across 44% of the 50 Union Councils. Alarmingly, 57% of these slums are not found in any government records. This lack of documentation poses significant challenges for policymakers and healthcare providers aiming to improve immunization coverage and overall health outcomes in these areas.

The residents of slums and underserved areas in Quetta city face numerous socio-economic challenges. The profiling has collected information about the types of residents, their housing structures, and the availability of basic amenities such as water and sanitation facilities, schools, and social welfare services. It was found that 13% of the residents in these disadvantaged areas are temporarily displaced, either within the province or are of other nationalities, predominantly Afghans. This demographic composition adds another layer of complexity to the efforts aimed at improving immunization coverage and overall health outcomes.

The availability of Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) facilities and health facilities in slums and underserved areas is a critical factor in determining immunization coverage. The profiling revealed that many of these areas lack adequate healthcare infrastructure, making it difficult for residents to access essential immunization services. The absence of government records for a significant number of slums further exacerbates the problem, as these areas are often overlooked in health planning and resource allocation.

Addressing the immunization gap in slums and underserved areas requires a multi-faceted approach. First, there is a need for accurate mapping and documentation of all slums and underserved areas to ensure that they are included in health planning and resource allocation. Second, improving access to basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, and education can create a conducive environment for better health outcomes. Third, targeted outreach programs and mobile health clinics can help reach underserved populations and ensure that they receive essential immunizations.

The profiling of slums and underserved areas in Quetta City highlights the significant challenges faced by these communities in accessing immunization services. With a large proportion of the population living in these areas and a significant number of children remaining unvaccinated, there is an urgent need for targeted interventions. By improving documentation, infrastructure, and outreach programs, it is possible to bridge the immunization gap and work towards achieving sustainable development goals in health.

For more information on the immunization situation in Pakistan and the efforts to improve coverage in slums and underserved areas, please refer to the following links: