Although the government has launched numerous vaccination campaigns, the persistence of polio indicates that there are significant gaps in outreach and coverage, particularly in rural areas
SUKKUR: In a concerning development for public health in Sindh, a confirmed case of polio has emerged in Tando Adam, located in District Sanghar, underscoring the ongoing struggle against this preventable disease. The patient, a seven-year-old girl named Sahil, was diagnosed after local health authorities conducted tests that revealed the presence of the poliovirus.
This alarming incident has reignited scrutiny regarding the effectiveness and responsiveness of the Sindh Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), which is responsible for coordinating polio eradication efforts in the province. Deputy Commissioner of Sanghar, Dr. Imran Al Hasan Khawaja, announced the confirmation of Sahil’s case and provided details regarding her health. Remarkably, he noted that despite testing positive for the virus, Sahil appears to be in good health and does not exhibit the classic symptoms typically associated with polio.
In contrast, her younger sister, Jamila Rind, a 13-month-old, showed symptoms in her limbs but tested negative for the disease, raising concerns about her condition and the potential for further complications. Local health authorities are closely monitoring Jamila, emphasizing the necessity for additional medical evaluations to assess her health and any treatment she may require. The emergence of this polio case starkly highlights the Sindh EOC’s ongoing challenges in curbing the resurgence of polio within the province.
Although the government has launched numerous vaccination campaigns, the persistence of polio indicates that there are significant gaps in outreach and coverage, particularly in rural areas. Critics point to a lack of effective planning, insufficient community engagement, and logistical failures that have hindered vaccination efforts. The recent case has drawn attention to the need for a more robust and proactive approach to public health, especially as Pakistan continues to grapple with polio.
In response to the confirmed case, health authorities have announced the launch of a polio vaccination campaign set to begin on October 28 in District Sanghar. This initiative aims to immunize children in the area to prevent further spread of the virus, highlighting the critical importance of vaccinations in protecting vulnerable populations.
Public health officials stress that comprehensive immunization campaigns are vital in regions where polio remains endemic, especially as international organizations closely monitor Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate the disease. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges faced by health authorities in the region and the need for renewed commitment and diligence in vaccination efforts.
