WITH polio cases in Pakistan rising sharply in recent weeks, the government has unveiled the National Emergency Action Plan for Polio 2024-25. The country has already reported 39 cases this year, compared to just six in 2023. The spike has raised concerns about our ability to eradicate the virus, with new cases spanning 60 districts, affecting children primarily in Balochistan, Sindh, and KP. Pakistan is at a juncture where if the spread of the virus is not halted, all gains made in previous years will be lost. The emergency plan entails vaccinating mobile and migrant populations, enhancing coordination with Afghanistan, and improving management and oversight. These areas of focus are critical given that a significant number of cases have been reported from Balochistan and KP — regions where instability and movement of people are known to hamper vaccination efforts. By focusing on these segments of the populace, the government hopes to close the immunity gaps that allow the virus to persist.

Equally important is the government’s emphasis on integrating routine immunisation with other essential services, such as water, sanitation, hygiene, and nutrition. Poor sanitation remains a major driver of polio transmission, as is evident from the presence of the virus in environmental samples from across the country. Thus, improving the basic health infrastructure is essential to polio’s eradication. Efforts to combat misinformation, which fuels vaccine hesitancy, are equally critical. To this end, the decision to increase media engagement is appreciable. It will be key in educating parents about the importance of vaccinating their children. In regions like KP, vaccine reluctance remains a challenge, contributing to the low immunisation coverage. Urging parents to assume responsibility for their children’s health is essential to achieving improved immunisation. While it puts this plan into action, the government must not lose sight of the structural challenges that hinder polio eradication. Security concerns in vulnerable regions need to be addressed to ensure polio workers can operate safely and reach every child. Additionally, improving the routine immunisation coverage, which remains at a mere 70pc, should be prioritised alongside polio-specific campaigns. To eliminate polio, Pakistan must adopt a sustained approach that not only intensifies vaccination efforts but also addresses the root causes of its spread. It cannot be understated how important a polio-free future is for our children.

Published in Dawn, October 23th, 2024