Bilateral solution for polio

Karachi’s positive samples links to strains in Afghanistan

The battle against polio in Pakistan faces a newfound formidable adversary — the unregulated movement of people to and from Afghanistan. As provincial health authorities launch yet another anti-polio drive, the caretaker health minister has identified unchecked cross-border movement as a significant impediment to eradicating this crippling disease.

The week-long campaign targeting over 10 million children in Sindh involves the coordinated efforts of approximately 80,000 workers, assisted by 5,300 law enforcement personnel. However, the challenge lies not only in the scale of the campaign but in the porous borders that allow the virus to infiltrate. The country has reported five polio cases in 2023 while more than 50 environmental samples from various parts of the country have tested positive for polio. Disturbingly, Karachi’s positive samples are linked to strains in Afghanistan. Despite aggressive anti-polio initiatives, the persistence of the virus highlights a dire need for targeted interventions. Firstly, there is a critical need to strengthen surveillance at key entry points, especially along the border with Afghanistan. Implementing rigorous screening procedures and ensuring that every individual entering the country is checked for polio vaccination status can help curb the spread of the virus. Secondly, coordinated efforts with Afghan authorities and international organisations can significantly contribute to controlling the spread of polio. Community engagement and education equally play a pivotal role in this fight, with targeted awareness campaigns needed within vulnerable communities.

Ultimately, a diplomatic partnership between Pakistan and Afghanistan will not only serve the immediate goal of eradicating polio but also strengthen overall regional cooperation in healthcare. Such a collaborative effort would not only benefit the two nations directly involved but could also set an example for international cooperation in addressing shared health challenges and implementing strategies to control the spread of the poliovirus once and for all.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 4^th, 2023.

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