As many as 28 environmental samples collected from 19 districts in January and two from Quetta and Khuzdar in December have tested positive for wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1). These alarming figures highlight a persistent threat that continues to loom over communities, necessitating a renewed focus on eradicating this crippling disease.
The detections this year have already reached 28, adding to the worrisome count of 126 reported in 2023. Federal Minister for Health Dr. Nadeem Jan disclosed that imported virus cluster, YB3A, was identified in 120 out of 126 positive sewage samples and three human cases in the previous year. The threat posed by polio virus remains a serious concern, especially for children below the age of five who are most vulnerable to the disease. Secretary Health Iftikhar Ali Shallwani in a statement said Pakistan is committed to wiping the virus out and is aiming to interrupt transmission by end of this year. This commitment to eradicating polio is commendable yet need for sustained efforts and increased vigilance cannot be overstated. Regular anti-polio drives play a pivotal role in protecting this age group, ensuring that they receive timely and adequate vaccination. While progress has been made, the recent surge in positive samples highlights fragility of the situation and the need for constant vigilance. In the light of current situation, it is imperative for communities, healthcare professionals and parents to unite in fight against polio. Collective efforts must be intensified to ensure that every child receives necessary vaccinations. The responsibility falls not only on government but also on parents to cooperate actively in vaccination drives. The battle against polio demands a unified front, and only through collective action can we hope to create a polio-free future for our children.
