Lingering poliovirus

In a concerning development, Pakistan has once again found itself grappling with the persistent threat of poliovirus, as four environmental samples, collected from Karachi and Peshawar, have tested positive for the Type-1 Wild Poliovirus.

The significance of these environmental samples extends beyond a mere laboratory report. It serves as a sobering indicator of not only the virus’s presence but also a decline in the immunity levels of children in affected areas. This places them at an increased risk of contracting the disease, which can lead to devastating consequences for individuals and communities. The efforts to combat polio in Pakistan have been ongoing for years, with dedicated individuals and organisations working tirelessly to ensure the vaccination of children across the country. Recently, religious scholars were also brought on board to quell misinformation. To combat the threat of resurgence of poliovirus in Pakistan, however, tangible actions must be taken promptly on all fronts including strengthening surveillance systems, improving data management and seeking global collaboration. The source of the virus must be ascertained and the affected regions vigorously targeted through vaccination and awareness campaigns. The situation also makes it imperative to address the broader issue of regulating waste disposal from hospitals that are conveniently dumped into water bodies. These comprehensive measures, if implemented collectively, offer a path to overcome the recent polio cases and move towards the goal of a polio-free Pakistan. But implementation will require some heavy handedness on part of the government and certain groups that continue to pose resistance due to unfounded myths and ulterior agendas must be dismantled.

The lingering nature of this disease not only continues to destroy lives but has become, in the grander scheme of things, a thorn in the flesh for a country that is currently navigating troubled waters. This scourge must be rooted out completely, once and for all.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th, 2023.

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