The polio problem in Pakistan is a significant issue that requires attention. Polio, caused by the polio virus, is a disabling and potentially life-threatening disease. The virus spreads from person to person, infecting the spinal cord and causing paralysis, rendering affected body parts immobile. Polio is caused by three types of the polio virus, often spreading through contact with infected feces due to poor hygiene.
Initial symptoms of polio include fever, neck stiffness, and limb pain. One in two hundred infections leads to irreversible paralysis, particularly affecting the legs. Among those paralyzed, 5% to 10%, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), may die due to immobilized breathing muscles. Polio primarily affects children under the age of five.
There are three distinct wild polio virus strains: Type 1 (WPV1), Type 2 (WPV2), and Type 3 (WPV3). Doctors recommend administering the polio vaccine to children under the age of five or those with incomplete vaccinations. However, instances exist where individuals administering the vaccine focus on equality, inflating the number of vaccinations given.
In the last week in Pakistan, nine (WPV1)-positive environmental samples were reported. One was from Punjab, two from Sindh, three from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. No (WPV1) cases were reported last month, and the total number of cases in 2023 remains at six.
Parents may be coerced into allowing polio vaccinations out of fear, despite concerns about potential side effects. In Pakistan, polio cases are exacerbated by various factors. An incident on January 8, 2024, involving a drive in northwestern Pakistan resulted in the death of five police officers and injuries to nearly two dozen others.
In recent years, the Taliban (TTP) has targeted polio vaccination workers, hindering efforts to combat the disease. This poses a challenge, as resistance to vaccination can lead to violent repercussions. The first nationwide polio vaccination campaign of 2024 commenced in the country despite the risks.
Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries yet to be declared free of wild polio virus type 1 (WPV1). Poliomyelitis has been eradicated in all countries except Pakistan and Afghanistan. Why are Pakistani government workers, public health officials, and community members unable to eradicate polio in Pakistan?
Pakistan has witnessed one of the largest polio surges from 2014 to 2024. In 2017, eight cases were reported, in 2018, 12 cases, and in 2019, 91 cases were reported. The number of polio cases is escalating year by year despite fluctuations. It was somewhat controlled in 2021, but from 2022 to 2023, the cases increased, and one cannot predict whether the cases will reduce or enhance. However, the nine cases reported last week indicate that this year will also see a high number of cases.
Not only is Pakistan suffering from polio cases, but there are also some other countries grappling with it. Afghanistan is one of them. However, other countries are doing well in preventing polio cases and improving. In Pakistan, the government is not paying enough attention to polio and is not investing adequately.
In conclusion, the government of Pakistan must take decisive action against the polio problem, safeguarding vaccination efforts and protecting the health of the nation’s children.