ISLAMABAD, Oct 28 – Pakistan’s third nationwide polio vaccination campaign of 2024 launches today, targeting over 45 million children under five. This intensified response follows alarming new detections of wild poliovirus in environmental samples from 16 districts, raising concerns about the virus’s spread and prompting immediate government action.
The National Institute of Health’s Regional Reference Laboratory confirmed wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) presence in sewage samples from major urban centers including Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, and multiple districts across Karachi, Balochistan, and Sindh. The latest findings are a stark reminder of the virus’s persistent threat, as Pakistan has reported 41 confirmed polio cases this year, with a significant concentration in Balochistan.
Nationwide Campaign: Millions Targeted for Vaccination
This week-long campaign, ending on November 3, is a crucial component of Pakistan’s anti-polio initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who officially inaugurated the drive on World Polio Day. In addition to polio drops, children will receive Vitamin-A supplements to boost immunity against various infections, marking a comprehensive approach to child health in vulnerable regions.
The government is mobilizing approximately 11,562 teams across Pakistan, each tasked with reaching remote and high-risk areas. Health officials have assured the public of strict adherence to vaccination targets, as PM’s focal person for polio eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq, emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to securing a polio-free future. “We will reach every corner of Pakistan to protect our children,” she stated, urging nationwide cooperation.
Rising Concerns and Urgent Need for Vaccination
Public health officials have expressed growing concern over the virus’s presence in both human and environmental samples across previously affected districts. Anwarul Haq, coordinator for the National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication, highlighted the stakes of the current campaign, noting, “Polio has no cure, but it can be prevented with this readily available vaccine. With the threat at an all-time high, we must act as one nation to keep our children safe through vaccination.”
Health authorities have established multiple hotlines, including the Sehat Tahhafuz Helpline (1166) and a 24/7 WhatsApp Helpline (0346-7776546), for parents to report missed vaccinations and ensure every child receives protection.
Focus on Balochistan: Enhanced Security and Urgency
Balochistan, a province where 21 of this year’s 41 confirmed polio cases have emerged, is a central focus of the current campaign. Officials in Balochistan are implementing heightened security measures as they strive to vaccinate over 2.6 million children across 36 districts. Balochistan’s Emergency Operation Centre coordinator, Inamul Haq, stressed the urgency of complete vaccination coverage, pointing to the high concentration of cases as evidence of critical need. “If any child misses the vaccination during the campaign, parents should contact the district administration,” he advised.
National Collaboration Key to Eradicating Polio
Local and national leaders are calling on civil society, teachers, and religious figures to support the campaign’s objectives, ensuring that each child receives life-saving protection. With increased international attention on Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts, health experts warn that vigilance and public cooperation are paramount to halting the virus’s spread.
By working together, Pakistan aims to eliminate polio as a health threat and safeguard future generations.
