KARACHI:
This refers to a letter ‘Rising polio cases’ published in these columns. While the letter highlighted the importance of vaccination during the polio campaign, it contained incorrect information on the total polio cases reported in Lahore. It is hereby clarified that Punjab is polio-free for the last two years which is an achievement of the programme. Last polio case in Punjab was reported in October 2020 from district Layyah. But Punjab is at risk of importation from endemic zones due to high-risk mobile population movement. The risk re-emerged at the forefront this January when two environmental samples from Lahore tested positive from two sites — Multan Road and Gulshan-e-Ravi. Both are genetically linked to South KP and Afghanistan, respectively.
After the detection of poliovirus in environmental samples, Punjab implemented a national immunisation drive all over Punjab in January 2023, with a total of 22.98 million children vaccinated. Also, Punjab has set up 31 transit points to vaccinate children from high-risk and priority communities. In 2022, with the support of law enforcement agencies, transit teams vaccinated 2.36 million children. Community engagement is being strengthened through partnerships aimed at increasing language-appropriate and local teams. More than 827 language-appropriate team members have been deployed in 19 districts.
Pakistan is one of the two endemic countries on the globe for wild poliovirus. In 2022, as many as 20 cases of polio cases were reported in Pakistan, from one province only.
Wasif Mahmood
Communication Officer
Published in The Express Tribune, February 25th, 2023.
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