By Abdul Samad
KARACHI: A noteworthy step towards global collaboration was witnessed as a Japanese delegation from Rotary International visited Karachi’s District Central, emphasizing the importance of tackling polio among mobile and migrant populations. This visit, a testament to international solidarity, underscores the critical nature of combating polio in one of its last bastions—Pakistan.
The delegation’s engagement reflects a deep commitment to addressing the unique challenges posed by mobile and migrant communities, which are often underserved and vulnerable to outbreaks due to their transient nature and limited access to healthcare. The visit formed part of the broader Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PPEI), a dedicated national effort supported by international partners to eliminate the crippling disease.
Rotary International, a longstanding advocate for polio eradication, has played an instrumental role in funding, advocacy, and on-ground support for vaccination campaigns worldwide. Their collaboration with local stakeholders in Karachi is a significant boost to the ongoing efforts aimed at reaching every child, particularly those living in areas with high population density and limited resources.
District Central Karachi, home to a diverse array of communities, including a substantial number of migrants, has been a focal point in Pakistan’s fight against polio. This focus is essential given the mobility of these populations, which complicates routine immunization efforts and increases the risk of cross-border transmission of the virus.
This initiative resonates with the global “End Polio Now” campaign, which has galvanized support across nations to eradicate the disease. Pakistan, one of the two remaining countries where polio remains endemic, faces persistent challenges, including logistical difficulties, vaccine hesitancy, and misinformation.
