Our battle against Poliovirus has seen both moments of triumph and grave setbacks, with recent surge in cases marking a particularly alarming phase. In just two days, six new cases have been confirmed — two from Sindh’s districts of Sanghar and Mirpurkhas and others across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — bringing the total number of cases to 39 this year.
The rise in infections should serve as stark reminder that fight against Polio is far from over. The regions reporting the latest cases have already been on high alert, as environmental samples from these areas tested positive for the Poliovirus earlier this year. This confirms what experts have been warning — the virus is still circulating, and where vaccination efforts falter, children suffer. The intense virus transmission underscores the need for an aggressive and sustained vaccination drive. While government is preparing a nationwide campaign from October 28, it is critical to ensure that no child is missed.
The recent cases are a clear indication of devastating impact of missed vaccinations, whether due to protests, insecurity or boycotts. The importance of getting children vaccinated cannot be overstated. While government can — and should — do everything in its power to make vaccines accessible and launch massive awareness campaign from different platforms, it is parents’ duty to ensure that their children receive these life-saving drops.
This virus is a scar on our nation, one that continues to cast a shadow over our progress and future of our children. With colder months ahead, Poliovirus will become less active, providing a crucial window to intensify eradication efforts. We must act now and act together, to ensure that Polio is wiped out from Pakistan once and for all. The future of our children depends on it.
