Pakistan’s third vaccination drive of the year is set to begin as environmental samples confirm wild poliovirus presence

As Pakistan prepares to launch its third nationwide polio vaccination campaign of 2024, alarming reports have emerged regarding the presence of wild poliovirus in 16 districts across the country. The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed that environmental samples collected from various locations have detected wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in sewage systems, raising concerns about the ongoing battle against this preventable disease.

The affected districts include major urban areas such as Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar, along with several regions in Karachi and other key locations including Chaman, Shaheed Benazirabad, Badin, Sukkur, Hyderabad, Sujawal, Dadu, Kambar, Jacobabad, and Dera Ghazi Khan. Notably, these districts have previously reported instances of poliovirus detection, whether in human cases or sewage samples, indicating a persistent threat.

The upcoming vaccination campaign, which is set to run from October 28 to November 3, aims to reach over 45 million children under the age of five. This drive comes at a crucial time, as confirmed polio cases in Pakistan have surged to 41 in 2024, emphasizing the urgent need for immunisation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially inaugurated the campaign during a ceremony at PM House on World Polio Day. Alongside the polio vaccine, children will also receive Vitamin A supplements to enhance their immunity. “Health workers will reach every corner of Pakistan to deliver the vaccine and secure a healthier future for our children,” said Ayesha Raza Farooq, the PM’s focal person for polio eradication.

The National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication’s coordinator, Anwarul Haq, stressed the importance of parental cooperation with vaccination teams. “Polio has no cure, but it can be prevented with this readily available vaccine. With the threat at an all-time high, we must act as one nation to keep our children safe through vaccination,” he stated.

To facilitate the campaign, the Sehat Tahhafuz Helpline (1166) and a 24/7 WhatsApp Helpline (0346-7776546) have been established, allowing parents to report any missed vaccinations during the drive.

In the Balochistan province, a parallel campaign will be conducted across 36 districts, where 21 of the confirmed polio cases in 2024 have originated. Inamul Haq, the coordinator for Balochistan’s Emergency Operation Centre, confirmed that tight security measures would be enforced throughout the campaign, as health officials warned of the widespread presence of poliovirus within the province.

The vaccination initiative will involve over 11,500 teams working tirelessly to administer polio drops and Vitamin A supplements to more than 2.6 million children. Mr. Haq urged parents to ensure their children receive the vaccine, reiterating the need for support from civil society, teachers, and religious leaders to bolster vaccination efforts.

As the campaign commences, officials are hopeful for high turnout and compliance from parents to secure a polio-free future for the nation’s children.