Poliovirus in Five Environmental Samples

News Desk

Islamabad: The Ministry of Health reported the detection of poliovirus in environmental samples across five districts in the country on Wednesday.

According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, two samples of sewage water from Quetta tested positive for the poliovirus. Additionally, single positive samples were found in Karachi Malir, Peshawar, Hub, and Tank.

The spokesperson highlighted the robustness of the polio program’s surveillance system. Efforts to eradicate polio are being intensified by the government, with a focus on implementing effective measures.

An integrated strategy has been devised specifically for high-risk areas affected by polio. Emphasizing the importance of vaccination, the spokesperson urged parents to ensure their children receive the polio vaccine during each immunization campaign.

Anti-Polio Campaign: Deputy Commissioner Lakki Marwat, Rehmat Ali, together with District Health Officer Dr Abdu Gul and other health department officials, inaugurated a five-day anti-polio campaign on Wednesday.

The campaign commenced with Ali administering anti-polio drops to a child at the DC office. Scheduled to run until December 18, its primary objective is to vaccinate all children under the age of five.

Expressing his appeal to parents, Deputy Commissioner Rehmat Ali urged them to ensure their children receive the anti-polio drops, highlighting the necessity of safeguarding them from the lifelong disabilities linked to the disease.

In stressing the significance of community cooperation, he called upon the public to wholeheartedly support the health department teams actively engaged in the vaccination campaign.

This initiative not only underscores the joint efforts and dedication toward a polio-free future but also highlights the pivotal role of community involvement in ensuring the success of such crucial campaigns.

A Situational Overview

Poliovirus has been a persistent concern in Pakistan’s public health landscape. Despite concerted efforts to eradicate the disease, Pakistan has faced challenges in completely eliminating polio due to various factors, including misconceptions, vaccine hesitancy, geopolitical issues, and difficulties reaching children in remote or conflict-affected areas.

The country has made significant progress in reducing polio cases over the years. However, sporadic outbreaks and the presence of the virus in environmental samples continue to pose a threat to the population, particularly children under the age of five, who are most vulnerable to the disease.

Pakistan remains one of the few countries where poliovirus transmission has not been successfully halted. Efforts by the government, supported by international health organizations and volunteers, have been extensive. National immunization campaigns, community engagement, and rigorous surveillance are integral components of the ongoing battle against polio.

There have been instances where health workers and vaccination teams faced resistance or even violence in some areas, impeding the progress of vaccination campaigns. Addressing misconceptions and building trust within communities have been ongoing challenges in the fight against polio in Pakistan. Additional input from APP

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