In response to a significant rise in Wild Poliovirus Type-1 (WPV1) cases over the past three months, Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments have united to assess and strengthen efforts to control the outbreak. The Ministry of National Health Services and Regulations, led by the Federal Secretary, initiated a high-level review meeting in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), where the secretary met with the KPK Chief Secretary and Inspector General (IG) of Police to discuss pressing issues affecting polio eradication efforts.
This collaborative meeting focused on the recent three-day polio immunization drive, assessing both the performance of KPK’s Health Department and the security conditions impacting the campaign. The immediate concern stems from seven newly detected polio cases in KPK, including two in Kohat. Of these cases, five were zero-dose children and some were linked to injection neuritis, highlighting the urgency of intensified outreach in vulnerable regions to protect children who have not yet received the polio vaccine.
New Polio Cases and Provincial Data
Just this past month, yet another polio case emerged in Nowshera, emphasizing the need for reinforced eradication efforts. The Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme (PPEP) reported the country’s 43rd polio case for the year, detected in Chagai District, Balochistan—the first case recorded in this district. As of October 30, 2024, Balochistan has registered 22 cases, followed by Sindh with 12, KPK with seven, and one case each from Punjab and Islamabad.
Enhanced Accountability Measures
Officials at the meeting emphasized a comprehensive strategy for identifying and responding to each new case, calling for serology testing to verify vaccine efficacy and detect any lapses in finger marking for vaccinated children. A zero-tolerance policy has been reiterated to prevent fake finger marking, ensuring thorough accountability and stringent measures to maintain high vaccination standards.
Focus on High-Risk Areas and Security Protocols
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed his commitment to a polio-free Pakistan as the country continues to face transmission challenges. Kohat and adjacent areas in KPK, including Karak, Hangu, Kurram, and Orakzai, are considered a single epidemiological block, necessitating coordinated immunization efforts across these districts. Despite eight rounds of Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) since October 2023, virus transmission persists in these areas, pointing to campaign strategy gaps that must be addressed.
Security issues further complicate eradication efforts, as vaccinators face access challenges in remote or high-risk regions. The meeting stressed the importance of security collaboration involving district commissioners, health officers, and law enforcement to provide safe passage for health teams conducting polio vaccinations.
Renewed Commitment from Leadership
This oversight visit reinforces the dedication of federal and provincial leadership to tackling polio, emphasizing strategic improvements in human resources, realistic goal-setting, and enhanced inter-agency cooperation. These efforts are crucial in overcoming obstacles, especially in high-priority areas like Kohat.
According to PPEP, Balochistan’s 22 poliovirus cases include six from Qilla Abdullah, three from Quetta, two each from Chaman, Zhob, and Pishin, and one case each from Dera Bugti, Chagai, Jhal Magsi, Killah Saifullah, Kharan, Noshki, and Loralai. Sindh has reported 12 cases, with two each in Keamari, Karachi, Jacobabad, and Hyderabad, and one each in Malir, Karachi East, Sanghar, Sujawal, Shikarpur, and Mirpur Khas. KPK has recorded cases across several districts, including two in Kohat and one each in DI Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Nowshera, and Mohmand. Islamabad and Punjab each reported a single case, with Punjab’s case detected in Chakwal district.
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