With cases reported from various regions, there is an urgent need to strengthen vaccination campaigns and address key barriers such as vaccine hesitancy and limited access to healthcare in vulnerable areas. Focused and targeted interventions are essential to halt the further spread of this preventable disease.

The recent surge has sparked renewed calls for action. Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s focal person for polio eradication, urged parents and caregivers across the country to ensure their children are vaccinated. She warned that polio remains a silent threat to future generations.

“Every new case is a child with a name, a face, and a life that is forever altered by the crippling impact of polio.”

To combat this rising challenge, the government has updated its National Polio Eradication Emergency Operations Plan, aiming to reach zero cases. The plan focuses on addressing critical gaps, such as campaign quality, access to marginalized populations, vaccine acceptance, and service delivery. Before the end of the year, authorities will conduct two large-scale, house-to-house vaccination campaigns to close immunity gaps and reverse the spread of the virus.

While Pakistan has made considerable progress in reducing polio cases over the years, it remains one of only two countries, along with Afghanistan, where polio is still endemic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 1988, more than 125 countries were polio-endemic, but today that number has been reduced to just two.

The Pakistani government, civil society, international agencies, and media have all demonstrated a deep commitment to eradicating polio. There is a growing understanding at the highest levels that polio poses a constant threat to future generations. With coordinated efforts between federal and provincial governments, international organizations, and grassroots initiatives, the country has significantly strengthened its immunization campaigns.

The dedicated polio workforce, including health professionals and volunteers, has worked tirelessly, often in challenging and dangerous conditions, to vaccinate children. Their efforts have been met with considerable success, but they also face resistance from certain segments of society, where misinformation and suspicion continue to hinder progress.

Despite the clear benefits of vaccination, a small but vocal section of Pakistani society remains opposed to polio eradication efforts. This resistance often stems from rigid beliefs and unfounded fears, which have, at times, led to fatal attacks on health workers. These attacks, particularly in vulnerable regions, have had a profound impact on the continuity of immunization efforts, making it difficult to reach all children.

Misinformation and fear have contributed to vaccine hesitancy in many communities, where people view polio campaigns with suspicion. As a result, many parents refuse to vaccinate their children, leaving them vulnerable to this preventable disease. The emergence of polio cases in recent years is a direct consequence of failing to achieve target coverage in these regions.

In the face of such challenges, it is essential to recognize the invaluable work of Pakistan’s polio workforce. Health workers, particularly Lady Health Workers, continue to risk their lives to protect children from this crippling disease. Their commitment, often in the most hostile environments, deserves national acknowledgment.

Equally important are the police officials who provide security to health workers in vulnerable areas. These officers are not only protecting individuals but are safeguarding the future of the country. Their service should be celebrated and recognized at all levels.

Eradicating polio from Pakistan remains a daunting challenge, but it is one that can be overcome with collective action. Political and religious leaders must unite in support of polio vaccination campaigns and work to dispel the negative propaganda that surrounds these efforts.

Religious leaders, in particular, play a crucial role in influencing their communities and should be engaged by the government to promote vaccination.

We must remember that a healthy and educated generation is key to Pakistan’s future development. As a nation, we must stand together and commit to ensuring that no child is left vulnerable to preventable diseases like polio.

Pakistan has made remarkable strides in reducing polio cases over the years, and with sustained, coordinated efforts, the country can eradicate polio in the near future.

It is essential that all segments of society continue to support vaccination drives and work together to overcome challenges like vaccine hesitancy and access issues. With a unified effort, Pakistan will soon become a polio-free nation, ensuring a healthier future for its children.

The writer is a social sector consultant and researcher. He can be reached at amirmurtaza1@hotmail.com.