Pakistan is among the only three countries (the other two being Afghanistan and Nigeria) still struggling to eradicate polio. PHOTO: ONLINE
The report notes that the number of missed children had decreased to under 1% of total target population (0.36%), compared to 1.5% the same time the year before.
Despite this, the virus has proved to be a constant and resilient foe for the country. As many as 15 cases have been recorded this year and positive environmental samples have been found in parts of the country.
GEPI appreciated Pakistan’s resolve to end virus circulation but agreed that there were some challenges that continued to be standing in the way of the ‘finish line’.
Pakistan is not very far from the finish line, PM’s focal person on polio Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq has said.
“We are vigilantly identifying and addressing the gaps and are committed to adjust and refine our tactics as required and we intend to stay the course to reach what would be a significant public health landmark for both Pakistan and the world.”
She reiterated the country’s commitment to eradicate polio. “Frontline staff is engaged in campaigns month after month, vaccinating about 37 million children during every national campaign. Broad civil society and community support means that parents are committed to protecting their children from the virus through vaccinations,” she stated.
Pakistan is among the only three countries (the other two being Afghanistan and Nigeria) still struggling to eradicate polio.
A three-day countrywide anti-polio campaign will be launched today (Monday).
Preparations have been made to inoculate more than 1.6 million children in Balochistan against the poliovirus, the provincial emergency centre coordinator said on Sunday.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 24th, 2016.
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