WHILE the nation remains preoccupied with multiple issues, it should not be forgotten that a key battle on the health front — that of eradicating the crippling polio virus — continues. Admittedly, there has been progress on this front. But to achieve the goal of making Pakistan polio-free, the authorities cannot slacken off and must remain vigilant. A six-day sub-national anti-polio campaign is currently under way in Sindh, with a heavy police contingent of some 5,000 men deployed in Karachi alone for the security of the vaccinators. Of course, considering the fact that vaccinators have been murdered in cold blood while on duty, the state cannot afford to take any chances, hence the substantial police presence. To date, 13 polio cases have been reported in the country this year; at this time in 2015 the reported total was 29. Though this figure is far from perfect, it certainly does show an improvement and we hope no further cases are reported in the months ahead.

The International Monitoring Board of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative has also said that Pakistan has made improvements in the polio eradication effort. The monitoring body cites an increase in campaign quality and reduction in the number of missed children as examples of improved performance. However, the goal, it should be remembered, remains total eradication of polio transmission in Pakistan. In parts of the country, such as Fata, transmission has been described as ‘intense’, while certain regions of Balochistan, as well as Karachi, continue to be classified as high-risk. It is these areas that need the most attention. Officials point out that the involvement of religious and community leaders has helped the campaign in ‘sensitive’ neighbourhoods, while refusals, particularly in Sindh, have also declined. The campaign needs continued focus, funds and most of all political will in order to succeed. Now, as success seems achievable, the state must put its full weight behind the polio eradication campaign until the disease is wiped out from Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2016