Polio virus still present in environment: minister

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal on Tuesday acknowledged the persistent presence of the poliovirus in the country's environment and urged the public to counter misconceptions surrounding the disease and its vaccine.

Responding to a call-attention notice in the Senate regarding the ongoing anti-polio campaign, the minister informed the upper house that the virus was still actively circulating in the country.

"Our environment continues to host the poliovirus," Kamal said. "Unfortunately, false perceptions about polio have taken deep root in people's minds, and I don't know why."

However, he clarified that he had explicitly barred authorities from arresting parents who refuse to vaccinate their children. "I have stopped the practice of using police to arrest parents for not administering polio drops," he added.

The minister pointed out that despite challenges, polio vaccination was being carried out even in neighbouring Afghanistan.

"Except for Kandahar, all Afghan provinces are running anti-polio drives," he said.

Referring to the situation in Balochistan, Kamal said he personally visited the province to oversee efforts against polio.

"This year, we have reported 14 polio cases," he said, adding that most of the cases emerged from Bannu and other inaccessible regions.

"Where we have not been able to reach, cases have spiked," he said.

He also pointed to a persistent negative propaganda campaign against the polio vaccine as one of the hurdles in the fight to eradicate the virus.

Kamal revealed that environmental samples from districts across the country are testing positive for polio.

"This confirms that the virus remains present in our environment," he said.

"Only those children who receive polio drops are protected."

The minister said that the government was committed to eradicating of polio and called for public support to overcome misinformation and logistical barriers.