Why is Poliovirus spreading rapidly in Pakistan? Type-1 Wild Poliovirus (WPV1) has been detected in 18 sites across Pakistan, including four new districts: Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Swabi, and Swat.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad has confirmed the detection, raising the total count of infected districts for 2024 to 38.
Why is Poliovirus spreading rapidly in Pakistan?
Genetic Linkage and Spread:
In Bannu, the sample was collected on April 24 from Hinjal-Noorabad site, which is the first positive sample from district this year.
The virus is YB3A cluster and 99.77pc genetically linked to virus detected in Pishin on April 1.
In Lakki Marwat, the sample was collected on April 22 from Tube Well Gali sample collection site. This is the first positive sample from District Lakki Marwat this year.
The sample in Swabi was collected on April 18 in Shah Mansoor & Kala Pull Badray site.
In Swat, the sample was collected on April 25 from Saidu Sharif. The virus is 99.77pc linked to virus detected in Swabi on April 18.
PM’s Commitment to Eradication Efforts:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s dedication to eradicating polio during a meeting with a delegation from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), led by Dr. Christopher Elias, Chair of the Polio Oversight Board and President of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Development Division.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the collaborative efforts between the government, global partners, and national institutions in eliminating this debilitating disease from Pakistan.
He expressed confidence in the collective efforts to achieve this goal.
Awareness Drive Initiated:
In response to the recent detections, Prime Minister Sharif directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to collaborate with the GPEI in launching a joint awareness drive.
This initiative aims to educate communities about the importance of vaccination and disease prevention, fostering public engagement in polio eradication efforts.
Challenges and Resilience in Polio Eradication:
Despite ongoing challenges, including the spread of the virus to new districts, the commitment of the government and its partners remains steadfast.
Collaboration, community engagement, and robust vaccination campaigns are pivotal in overcoming obstacles and ultimately achieving the eradication of polio in Pakistan.
