The fight against polio faces a new challenge as wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) has been detected in environmental samples collected from three districts in Sindh. The samples, taken from Thatta, Umerkot, and Noshero Feroze on December 23-24, 2024, tested positive for the virus, according to the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health.
Urgency to Combat Polio
Polio, a paralyzing disease with no cure, poses a significant threat to children under five years old. Vaccination remains the most effective defense against the virus. Completing the oral polio vaccine (OPV) schedule and routine immunization is essential to build high immunity in children and protect them from this debilitating disease.
Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Program is working tirelessly to address this health crisis. The program conducts multiple vaccination campaigns annually, bringing vaccines directly to families to ensure maximum coverage. Alongside this, the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) offers free vaccines against 12 childhood diseases, including polio, at health facilities nationwide.
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Upcoming Vaccination Drive
The first nationwide polio vaccination campaign of 2025 is set to run from February 3 to February 9. This campaign aims to immunize all children under five across the country. Parents are urged to ensure their children receive the vaccine to keep them safe from the poliovirus, especially in light of the recent detections.
Persistent Challenges
Environmental surveillance remains a key tool in identifying and tracking the spread of poliovirus. The recent detection of WPV1 in sewage samples highlights the continued presence of the virus in communities and underscores the importance of sustained vaccination efforts. However health authorities stress that even one positive sample signals the risk of an outbreak, emphasizing the need for high vaccination coverage to prevent transmission.
Strengthening Immunization Efforts
Pakistan has made significant progress in its battle against polio, but challenges remain. The detection of poliovirus in environmental samples serves as a reminder that the fight is far from over.
Vaccination teams will be mobilized nationwide during the February campaign, aiming to reach even the most remote areas. These efforts are critical to stopping the virus and achieving the goal of a polio-free Pakistan.
A Collective Responsibility
The detection of WPV1 in Thatta, Umerkot, and Noshero Feroze highlights the urgency of protecting children from polio. Vaccination is the only way to eliminate the threat of this preventable disease. By working together, communities can ensure that all children receive the protection they need, paving the way for a healthier and safer future.
With renewed determination and collective efforts, Pakistan can continue its journey toward eradicating polio once and for all.
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