Fight against polio

Due to a rise in polio cases in Pakistan, environmental samples were collected in January from 38 cities to detect the prevalence of the virus in the country. The results showed promising signs, unlike before, as no virus was detected in sewage samples collected from 37 different cities. However, a sample from Lahore did test positive. Upon further investigation, the genomic sequencing results showed that the virus belongs to Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province.

This piece of information is important in order to understand that the polio problem is not isolated. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan are in the same boat as polioviruses move across borders due to sporadic two-way migration. Neither country can be free from the virus until it is eradicated from both countries simultaneously. While the health minister has acknowledged this, it must also be realised that the eradicating the disease will require joint effort by both governments. The best way to stop the virus is to vaccinate all children under the age of five. Ideally, the Pakistani government must raise the issue with the Taliban regime and a first-of-its-kind joint immunisation effort should be initiated in which both countries pool in resources and funds to start a cross-border vaccination campaign. Working towards a good cause will not just strengthen both countries but also help ease any strains between the two. However, vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccination myths are highly prevalent in both countries but are two different phenomena. While anti-vaxxers are ready to take up arms against vaccination drives, there are those who are afraid simply because of lack of information. Addressing this through a united front and awareness campaigns will help decrease the atmosphere of fear.

The major problem, however, remains militant and rebel groups who are looking for opportunities to create chaos and rift. This must initially be dealt with through dialogue and a middle-ground must be sought so that the safety of workers remains the top-most priority.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 29^th, 2023.

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