ISLAMABAD, May 30, 2024: The battle against polio in Pakistan faces a daunting challenge as five more environmental samples tested positive for the virus on Wednesday. This development brings the total count to 153 cases spread across 39 districts this year, marking a significant increase from the 126 detections in 28 districts recorded in 2023.
The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health Islamabad confirmed the latest findings, revealing that the new detections of Type-1 Wild Poliovirus (WPV1) emerged in four previously afflicted districts. Among these, Karachi East reported two positive samples, while Karachi Central, Quetta, and Kohat each registered one.
An official from the lab, speaking on condition of anonymity, shed light on the significance of these positive environmental samples. These sewage samples serve as indicators of the presence of the poliovirus, signaling potential shortcomings in vaccination campaigns. The official expressed concern over reports of counterfeit finger marking during vaccination drives, which hinder the effective delivery of vaccines to children.
Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, the official stressed the urgency for political intervention to address the root causes of the issue. Failure to contain the spread of the virus could lead to further travel restrictions and jeopardize efforts to eradicate polio not only within Pakistan but also globally.
Polio, a highly contagious disease primarily affecting children under five, poses severe health risks, including paralysis and death, as it attacks the nervous system. The recent surge in cases underscores the critical need for concerted efforts to combat polio and safeguard the health of vulnerable populations
