Polio persistence

In the battle against polio, Pakistan has been grappling with the relentless persistence of a once nearly eradicated disease. Recent findings from Pakistan’s National Polio Laboratory at the National Institute of Health (NIH) have unveiled the presence of Type-1 Wild Poliovirus (WPV1) in sewage samples collected from three locations — Hub, Lahore and Peshawar.

Despite considerable global efforts to eradicate polio, the virus persists within Pakistan’s borders, casting a shadow over the nation’s public health landscape. Sewage samples, time and again, have borne witness to the presence of this insidious disease, signaling an urgent need for a more robust and sustained response. The recent findings, linking the virus to neighbouring Afghanistan, is alarming and emphasises the cross-border nature of the threat and the interconnectedness of health challenges in our region. But what is particularly disconcerting is the apparent gap between the recurring detection of the virus in sewage samples and the tangible actions taken to address this pressing issue. While these samples serve as an early warning system, the subsequent response by the government has not matched the urgency of the situation, even though efforts are ongoing.

Beyond the immediate need for intensified vaccination campaigns, there is a crucial imperative to delve into the root causes of the virus’s persistence. Vaccine hesitancy, misinformation and operational challenges in reaching remote areas have all contributed to the ongoing struggle. Addressing these challenges requires a grassroots effort to engage communities, dispel myths and ensure that every child has access to life-saving vaccines. At such a juncture, it is incumbent upon all relevant stakeholders to redouble their efforts. The global community must provide support, resources and expertise to bolster Pakistan’s immunisation campaigns and address the systemic challenges that are hindering progress.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 17^th, 2023.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.