Islamabad, Oct 28 (PTI) Pakistan has launched its third nationwide polio vaccination campaign on Monday, aiming to immunize a staggering 45 million children against this debilitating disease, especially in light of recent environmental findings revealing the presence of the virus in sewage samples collected from 16 distinct districts.
The campaign was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a significant ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s House, coinciding with World Polio Day observed last week. In a symbolic gesture, he personally administered polio drops to young children present at the event.
This intensive week-long vaccination initiative, spanning from October 30 until November 3, is crucial in combating the alarming resurgence of polio, as the country has documented 41 cases of the disease so far this year.
During this drive, specialized health teams will strategically go door-to-door across the nation, delivering vaccinations to ensure that more than 45 million children are reached. Additionally, children will receive Vitamin-A supplements to bolster their immunity during this critical campaign.
The urgency of this launch was underscored when the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health confirmed the detection of the wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in sewage samples from multiple districts, highlighting the immediacy of the threat.
The distribution of polio cases so far this year reveals concerning statistics: Balochistan has reported 21 cases, followed by Sindh with 12, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with six, and one case each from Punjab and Islamabad.
In his remarks at the inaugural ceremony, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the critical importance of this campaign in halting the further spread of polio, alluding to the urgent need for a nationwide response to the resurgence of the wild poliovirus. He stated, “Polio has re-emerged in Pakistan, reminding us of our collective responsibility to overcome this threat. Together, we must fight this battle with unity and determination until we secure a polio-free Pakistan,” according to a report by Geo News.
Ayesha Raza Farooq, who serves as the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, asserted that health workers will tirelessly reach every corner of Pakistan, ensuring that every child has access to vaccinations and thereby working to secure a healthier future for the nation’s youth.
“Polio has no cure, but it can be prevented with this readily available vaccine. With the threat at an all-time high, we must act as one nation to keep our children safe through vaccination,” stated Anwarul Haq, the coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication.
According to the World Health Organization, Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only two countries globally where polio continues to be endemic.
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
### Interview with Dr. Ayesha Khan, Public Health Expert
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Khan. With Pakistan’s third nationwide polio vaccination campaign launching on October 30, can you share why this campaign is particularly crucial right now?
**Dr. Ayesha Khan:** Thank you for having me. This campaign is critical due to the alarming resurgence of polio in Pakistan. With 41 cases reported this year alone, coupled with the recent environmental findings indicating the virus’s presence in sewage from 16 districts, it’s clear that urgent action is needed to protect our children.
**Editor:** Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the campaign and personally administered polio drops to children. How does such high-level involvement impact public perception and participation?
**Dr. Ayesha Khan:** When leaders like the Prime Minister engage in these activities, it sends a powerful message about the importance of the program. It raises awareness, encourages community participation, and helps to counteract misinformation surrounding vaccination, especially in areas where skepticism may exist.
**Editor:** The campaign aims to vaccinate 45 million children. How are health teams ensuring they reach such a large number effectively?
**Dr. Ayesha Khan:** Health teams are employing a door-to-door strategy, which has proven effective in past campaigns. This method not only allows for direct contact with families but also ensures that children who may be missed in larger clinics or hospitals receive their vaccines. Additionally, the provision of Vitamin A supplements alongside polio drops helps enhance overall immunity, which is a vital public health measure.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what steps need to be taken after this campaign to ensure continued progress in eradicating polio in Pakistan?
**Dr. Ayesha Khan:** Ongoing community engagement is essential. Public health campaigns should continue throughout the year, not just during vaccination drives. Additionally, we need to invest in education and outreach to dismantle vaccine hesitancy and ensure access to health services. Our focus should also include monitoring environmental factors and maintaining robust surveillance to detect and respond to any signs of resurgence.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your insights on this urgent public health effort. We hope to see positive outcomes from this campaign!
**Dr. Ayesha Khan:** Thank you for the opportunity. Let’s work together to protect our future generations from polio.
Success of this ambitious initiative?
**Dr. Ayesha Khan:** Health teams are working tirelessly, employing a door-to-door strategy to ensure that every child is reached. They are mapping out their routes carefully to cover even the most remote areas. Additionally, these teams will not only administer the polio vaccine but also provide Vitamin A supplements, which further helps in boosting children’s immunity and overall health.
**Editor:** What challenges do you foresee in executing such a large-scale vaccination drive?
**Dr. Ayesha Khan:** While the logistics are indeed complex, one of the main challenges is addressing vaccine hesitancy in certain communities. Misinformation and cultural barriers can hinder efforts. That’s why it’s essential for health officials to actively engage with community leaders and educate the population about the safety and importance of the vaccine.
**Editor:** Given the presence of wild poliovirus detected in the environment, what implications does this have for public health in Pakistan?
**Dr. Ayesha Khan:** The presence of the virus in sewage implies that there could be undetected cases in the community, which is a significant public health concern. It underscores the necessity of this campaign not just as a response to current cases but as a preventative measure to ensure that polio does not take hold again in our country.
**Editor:** Lastly, what can individuals do to contribute to this campaign?
**Dr. Ayesha Khan:** Public participation is vital. Individuals can help by ensuring their children are vaccinated, spreading awareness about the campaign, and addressing any concerns in their communities. Additionally, supporting health workers who are out in their neighborhoods can create a stronger network dedicated to eradicating polio in Pakistan.
**Editor:** Thank you so much, Dr. Khan, for your insights. It’s clear that this campaign is more than just a health initiative; it’s a collective effort to secure a healthier future for our children.
**Dr. Ayesha Khan:** Thank you for having me. Yes, together we can make a difference and work towards a polio-free Pakistan!
