Year’s 17th polio case reported from Islamabad

Islambad : Shakila Jalil

A devastating blow has been dealt to Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate polio, as the country reports its 17th case of the year. A child from Islamabad has been paralyzed by wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), marking the first human case in the federal capital in 16 years.

A Preventable Tragedy

The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio at the National Institute of Health confirmed the presence of WPV1 in the child from Union Council Rural 4 of Islamabad. Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, Ms Ayesha Raza Farooq, expressed her heartbreak over the case, emphasizing that polio is a preventable disease with an easily accessible vaccine.

Environmental Samples Raise Alarm

Environmental samples from Islamabad and neighboring Rawalpindi district have been positive for WPV1 since June, indicating a persistent threat of polio. The detection of poliovirus in sewage water in Nawabshah has further complicated the situation, dealing another blow to the government’s efforts to eradicate the disease.

Urgent Action Needed

In response to the outbreak, the polio programme has held consultative sessions with provinces and districts to implement plans to improve polio eradication activities. A polio campaign is set to begin on September 9, targeting over 33 million children under five in 115 districts.

A National Crisis

Pakistan has reported 17 polio cases this year, with 12 cases from Balochistan, three from Sindh, and one from Punjab. The detection of poliovirus in environmental samples and sewage water highlights the need for urgent action to prevent further cases.

Government Response

Deputy Commissioner Shehryar Gul Memon called a meeting to chalk out a strategy for the upcoming polio vaccination campaign, emphasizing the need for renewed focus on vaccination efforts.

Conclusion

The reporting of Pakistan’s 17th polio case underscores the need for renewed efforts to eradicate the disease. With a polio campaign set to begin on September 9, it is crucial that parents ensure their children receive polio drops and are up to date on their routine immunization. The government must also intensify its efforts to improve polio eradication activities and address the persistent threat of polio to children’s well-being.