Pakistan Works Hard to Stop Polio

Pakistan is running big campaigns to give polio drops to over 45 million children. Many health workers are working hard, even in difficult places, to protect kids from this sickness.
By Newsroom | Health, Pakistan |

A significant effort is underway in Pakistan to vaccinate millions of children against polio. With a large workforce of trained health workers, the country is conducting nationwide campaigns, aiming to reach over 45 million children. This push comes as polio eradication efforts globally face hurdles, with Pakistan identified as one of the final endemic countries where the virus still circulates. The success of these campaigns is seen as critical to achieving a polio-free world.

Mobilizing 400,000 WHO-trained polio workers to vaccinate 45 million children in Pakistan - Global Polio Eradication - 1

Scope of National Polio Campaigns

Pakistan is undertaking extensive national polio campaigns with the goal of protecting a substantial number of its young population.

Mobilizing 400,000 WHO-trained polio workers to vaccinate 45 million children in Pakistan - Global Polio Eradication - 2

  • Target Population: Over 45 million children are the focus of these vaccination drives.

  • Workforce: A mobilization of approximately 400,000 polio workers, many of whom are trained by the World Health Organization (WHO), are deployed across the country. This includes a significant number of women workers.

  • Campaign Frequency: Multiple national polio campaigns are conducted annually, with at least four planned for some years. These campaigns are often time-bound, running for a week across the nation, with extended periods in specific high-risk districts.

  • Methods: Vaccinators go "house-to-house" to administer polio drops, ensuring children are reached even in remote or difficult terrains.

Persistence of Polio in Pakistan

Despite continuous efforts, polio remains a health concern in Pakistan, which is considered one of the last two countries where the wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) is still endemic.

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Mobilizing 400,000 WHO-trained polio workers to vaccinate 45 million children in Pakistan - Global Polio Eradication - 3

  • Resurgence: Reports indicate a resurgence of poliovirus, with a notable number of children affected in recent years. For instance, one report mentions 29 children affected in a single year, prior to a campaign.

  • Virus Detection: Environmental surveillance has also shown the presence of poliovirus in sewage samples across numerous districts.

  • Challenges: While progress is reported in reaching underserved populations, traditional hotspots like Karachi, South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Quetta Block remain challenging areas for eradication efforts. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has acknowledged the need for new approaches to overcome the final hurdles.

Dedication of Polio Workers

The frontline workers are the backbone of these vaccination campaigns, often working in difficult conditions.

Mobilizing 400,000 WHO-trained polio workers to vaccinate 45 million children in Pakistan - Global Polio Eradication - 4

  • Commitment: Workers like Rabia, Momina, and Neelum express deep dedication to their mission, traveling to remote areas and facing various challenges to protect children. Their efforts are described as a testament to the resolve needed to combat polio.

  • Personal Missions: The fight against polio is also a personal mission for individuals like Ayesha Raza, a polio survivor and health worker, who continues to participate in campaigns despite mobility challenges.

  • Reaching Remote Areas: Teams, including women on motorbikes, navigate rough terrain and security-compromised areas to vaccinate children, highlighting the extreme measures taken to ensure no child is missed.

Global and Partner Support

The polio eradication efforts in Pakistan receive significant support from international organizations and donors.

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  • GPEI: The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is a key body overseeing the strategy and progress, though it has had to extend timelines for achieving eradication.

  • WHO: The World Health Organization (WHO) plays a crucial role in training workers and supporting immunization campaigns, particularly in high-risk districts.

  • Rotary International: Rotary's long-standing commitment and funding are described as crucial for the journey towards a polio-free world, with significant financial contributions supporting WHO's efforts in Pakistan.

  • UNICEF: UNICEF is mentioned as a partner that commends Pakistan's leadership and expresses confidence in the country's ability to achieve eradication.

Vaccines and Prevention

The primary tools for polio prevention are vaccines.

  • Vaccine Types: Both the oral polio vaccine (OPV) and the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) are available.

  • Efficacy: Polio vaccines, when administered multiple times, can provide lifelong protection.

  • No Cure: It is emphasized that there is no cure for polio; it can only be prevented through vaccination.

Conclusion

Pakistan is actively engaged in a large-scale, multi-year effort to eradicate polio, involving hundreds of thousands of dedicated workers and substantial international backing. The consistent administration of vaccines to millions of children annually underscores the critical nature of this public health objective. However, the persistence of wild poliovirus in the country, alongside global challenges faced by the GPEI, indicates that the path to complete eradication requires sustained commitment, adaptive strategies, and continued public cooperation. The ongoing campaigns are vital steps in what is acknowledged as a final, albeit challenging, phase of polio elimination.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Pakistan trying to stop polio?
Polio can make children very sick and can cause lasting problems. Pakistan wants to protect its children and help make the world free of polio.
Q: How many children are being vaccinated?
Pakistan aims to vaccinate over 45 million children in its campaigns.
Q: Who is helping with the vaccination?
Many health workers, often trained by groups like the WHO, are going door-to-door. International groups also give support.
Q: Is polio still a problem in Pakistan?
Yes, polio is still found in Pakistan, which is why these vaccination efforts are very important.
Q: What can people do to help?
Parents should make sure their children get the polio vaccine when offered. Supporting the health workers is also important.