Samaan Lateef | New Delhi
Pakistan’s long battle against polio has faced a sobering setback. This year, the country has reported 49 cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1)—the highest number in six years—signalling fresh challenges in one of the last bastions of this debilitating disease.
Despite decades of effort, Pakistan remains one of only two countries where polio remains endemic. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) confirmed three new cases this week in Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), underscoring the fragility of gains made in combating the virus.
Health officials have flagged immunity gaps as a key driver behind the surge. These gaps, caused by inconsistent vaccination coverage, have left vulnerable communities exposed. Dr. Maryam Younas, a spokesperson for the World Health Organization (WHO), attributed the ongoing transmission to suboptimal campaign quality, community resistance, and displacement of populations.
“The virus exploits the immunity gaps in communities where children are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated,” Younas explained.
Conflict and displacement in KP and Balochistan have compounded these issues. Decades of unrest have disrupted immunisation drives, leaving countless children without protection. Malik Anwar Wazir, a tribal elder from South Waziristan, described how families fleeing violence often miss critical vaccination opportunities.
The challenge of fake vaccination practices has emerged as a significant hurdle. Some parents use fake finger markings to falsely indicate their children were vaccinated, undermining eradication efforts.
“Fake markings are a serious blow to our progress,” said Dr. Aftab Kakar, a health official in Balochistan. “When combined with malnutrition and limited campaigns, it creates the perfect storm for the virus to thrive.”
In addition to these challenges, attacks on vaccination teams by militant groups have further eroded public trust in immunisation efforts.
Pakistan’s polio battle has also been affected by regional instability. The recent repatriation of over 730,000 Afghan refugees, many unvaccinated, has raised concerns about cross-border virus transmission. WHO’s Dr. Hamid Jafari highlighted the risks posed by large-scale population movements, especially as Afghanistan remains the only other country where WPV1 is endemic.
Pakistan’s polio eradication program has seen both triumphs and setbacks. Cases plummeted from 20,000 annually in the 1990s to just eight in 2018. However, the virus re-emerged in 2021, with a steady rise since then. This year’s figures mark a stark contrast to the single case reported just three years ago.
Yet, there are reasons for cautious optimism. Vaccination campaigns in September and October reached 45 million children, with another campaign planned for December. Officials remain hopeful about halting transmission by mid-2025, a target supported by international donors.
Polio, which primarily affects children under five, remains incurable but preventable through immunisation. In Balochistan, where the virus recently re-emerged, health workers emphasise the urgent need for both vaccination and better nutrition.
“Immunisation alone isn’t enough,” Dr. Kakar noted. “Well-nourished children stand a much better chance against the virus.”
Pakistan’s journey to a polio-free future faces significant roadblocks: militant violence, vaccine hesitancy, fake vaccination practices, and disruptions caused by climate-related events. However, health authorities and global partners are stepping up efforts with targeted strategies and enhanced outreach, particularly for migrant and underserved populations.
This resurgence is a stark reminder that eradicating polio will require sustained commitment, innovation, and resilience. For Pakistan, the stakes couldn’t be higher—ending polio means safeguarding the health and future of millions of children.
