THE recent population census may help the country become polio-free if we receive accurate data on children.

Unfortunately, polio virus is still active in Pakistan as an eight-month-old child was found to have contracted the virus in Karachi recently.

Even though the number of cases has reduced since 1988, Pakistan cannot be called polio-free until we get zero cases for three straight years.

The main problems which are creating hurdles in eradicating the disease are illiteracy, poverty and religious considerations. I hope the recent census will help us make better policies for the future.

Ali Hasnain

Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2017