The resurgence of polio in Pakistan has been a major setback for a nation that was close to eliminating this devastating disease until just a few years ago. The recent surge in cases underscores just how precarious the journey toward eradication can be, especially for a country that had recently shown considerable progress. In 2021, Pakistan reported only six cases of wild poliovirus, a remarkable achievement considering the disease's endemic nature within its borders. The following year saw a slight increase, with 20 cases recorded, yet this number was still far from the hundreds seen in earlier years. By 2023, Pakistan managed to bring the number of cases back down to six, signaling that the nation was once again on track in the fight against polio. Health experts, policymakers, and families across Pakistan celebrated these milestones, hopeful that the country was nearing the end of its decades-long battle with this crippling disease.
In 2024, Pakistan's Southwestern province of Balochistan, located near the Afghan border, has recorded 20 cases of polio, while Sindh has reported 12 cases. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, another province bordering Afghanistan, has seen five cases of paralysis caused by the poliovirus. Meanwhile, Punjab, the country's most populous province, and the federal capital, Islamabad, have reported one case each.
The emergence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan raises concerns about the efficacy of polio eradication efforts. The number of polio cases continues to grow, exposing the harm faced by children who miss vaccination opportunities. Campaign implementation is increasingly challenging due to various factors, including a lack of security for door-to-door vaccination teams, especially in tribal areas and regions like Balochistan, where localised protests and pockets of instability make it difficult to access vulnerable communities.
Misinformed beliefs and hesitations among some communities continue to obstruct vaccine outreach, especially in rural areas. The presence of misconceptions about the polio vaccine, despite extensive awareness campaigns, leads to low participation, risking further spread
Pakistan’s frontline health workers and volunteers face significant risks in reaching every household, but their efforts are often hindered by political instability, misinformation, and security issues in polio-endemic areas. This is particularly problematic in Pakistan's Northwestern and Southern districts, where public awareness about the critical nature of vaccination remains limited. Additionally, misinformed beliefs and hesitations among some communities continue to obstruct vaccine outreach, especially in rural areas. The presence of misconceptions about the polio vaccine, despite extensive awareness campaigns, leads to low participation, risking further spread.
The government must enhance coordination between national and provincial emergency operations centers (EOCs), ensuring that resources and support are consistently allocated to high-risk areas. Private companies can contribute by offering logistical support, such as transportation and distribution of vaccines, while NGOs can focus on outreach and community engagement, especially in hard-to-reach regions. A shared commitment to eradicating polio through these collaborative efforts will strengthen national vaccination campaigns and ensure efficient resource utilisation.
Another critical component is the creation of awareness systems, particularly through religious institutions like mosques. Given the influence of religious leaders in many communities, these figures should be enlisted to spread messages about health and vaccination. Mosques can serve as platforms for disseminating information about the importance of polio vaccination, with sermons, community events, and public service announcements reinforcing the need for immunisation. Additionally, parental involvement should be encouraged through local awareness campaigns, where parents are educated on the risks of polio and the benefits of vaccination. Offering incentives, such as certificates or health-related benefits, could further motivate families to vaccinate their children. Addressing both logistical and cultural barriers can significantly improve vaccination rates across Pakistan.
Multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine are essential to protect children against this virus. Regular completion of vaccination schedules for every child under five must be prioritised across all communities. With this in mind, the Pakistan government, in partnership with UNICEF, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the Pakistan National Emergency Operations Centre, has launched a nationwide vaccination campaign. Beginning April 29, 2024, this effort aims to immunise over 24 million children under five across 91 districts. As responsible citizens, we urge all parents and guardians to ensure the full vaccination status of children in their care. By embracing these efforts, we can protect our children and help eliminate polio from Pakistan once and for all.
This fight against polio requires collective responsibility. With the support of our communities and awareness of the risks posed by missed vaccinations, we can make progress toward a polio-free Pakistan. This is a call to all stakeholders—families, communities, and policymakers—to come together to secure a healthy future for the next generation. For many, the resurgence of polio in 2024 serves as a wake-up call, emphasising the need for consistent, reliable vaccination efforts and a community-driven approach to eliminate the disease.