Another polio case surfaced on World Polio Day despite PM Shehbaz Sharif’s commitment to eradicate polio in Pakistan
By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: In a concerning development, a new case of polio has been confirmed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking the 40th polio case reported in Pakistan this year. The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) identified the latest case in Kohat, where a two-and-a-half-year-old child tested positive for wild poliovirus type one. This case is particularly alarming as it is the second reported from Kohat this year, with the first occurring just last month in the Darra Adam Khel area.
Despite these challenges, the government of Pakistan remains resolute in its commitment to eradicate polio. A nationwide vaccination campaign is set to begin on October 28, aiming to immunize 45 million children under the age of five. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, in a message on World Polio Day, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to achieving a polio-free Pakistan. He acknowledged the progress made in reducing polio cases due to the tireless efforts of healthcare workers and the support from international organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the importance of unity in the fight against polio, acknowledging ongoing challenges, including security threats, misinformation, and difficulties accessing remote areas. He commended the bravery of healthcare workers who continue to operate in perilous conditions to vaccinate every child.
The government is working to enhance healthcare infrastructure, expand vaccine coverage, and combat misinformation through the National Emergency Action Plan. Moreover, the Prime Minister highlighted the need for regional cooperation, particularly with Afghanistan, to effectively manage the cross-border transmission of the virus. He reminded the public that the battle against polio is part of a broader mission to establish a robust public health system that safeguards future generations.
Additionally, the region has seen four polio-positive sewage samples, raising further alarms about the virus’s presence in the community. The distribution of polio cases this year has been uneven across the country, with Balochistan accounting for 20 cases, Sindh 12, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa six, Punjab one, and Islamabad one. This situation underscores a broader public health crisis, exacerbated by increasing violence against vaccination workers. Local authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have reported 27 attacks on polio workers this year, reflecting a hostile environment for those involved in vaccination campaigns. Militant groups often label vaccines as part of a Western conspiracy, leading to tragic incidents, including the recent killings of a police officer and a polio worker in Bajaur.
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