The government finally seems serious about polio eradication but needs special attention to Sindh and Karachi as having potential threat to be epicenter of poliovirus outbreak
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called for a third-party audit of Pakistan’s polio eradication campaign following rising concerns over the nation’s polio status. During a recent briefing in Islamabad, Sharif was informed of 41 active polio cases across the country, with 25 cases linked to low routine immunization rates in vulnerable areas. He emphasized the need for a robust response, directing officials to close immunity gaps and devise a comprehensive strategy to fortify Pakistan’s polio defenses.
The prime minister’s call for an audit underscores the government’s urgent focus on improving accountability in the country’s polio program, where resource allocation and campaign efficacy are increasingly under scrutiny. He assigned Dr. Mukhtar, Ayesha Raza Farooq, and the Health Secretary to personally visit affected regions, reinforcing the government’s commitment to proactive intervention. “Defeating polio is a challenge we must overcome together,” Sharif affirmed. “Pakistan will soon be polio-free, but we need unwavering dedication.”
Commending the Gates Foundation for its support in healthcare, particularly for child health and polio eradication, Sharif extended appreciation to Bill Gates, emphasizing that his contributions have been instrumental in safeguarding future generations in Pakistan. He also expressed gratitude for Gates’ assistance in advancing digital healthcare infrastructure.
However, internal sources have raised concerns over provincial-level cooperation, specifically highlighting ineffective management in Sindh, particularly in Karachi. Health officials noted that while the federal government has intensified efforts to eliminate polio, Sindh’s program has lagged under the leadership of EOC Sindh Coordinator Irshad Ali Sodhar. Sodhar, accused of prioritizing self-promotion over polio eradication initiatives, reportedly focuses on networking with high-ranking officials, creating unnecessary initiatives under the guise of the polio campaign. This has led to prolonged discussions on trivial matters in critical meetings, detracting from essential objectives.
In a previous meeting, the Prime Minister’s advisor on polio, Ayesha Raza Farooq, reportedly reprimanded Sodhar for the ongoing issues plaguing Sindh’s polio strategy, a region that remains one of Pakistan’s most challenging fronts in the polio fight. Federal health authorities have called on provincial counterparts to elevate their commitment to ensure an integrated approach to tackling polio, critical for protecting Pakistan’s children and securing the country’s health future.
