Primary factors behind polio resurgence

ISLAMABAD: Massive intercity travel of children between core reservoirs of poliovirus-including Quetta, Peshawar, Karachi blocks, and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-following an operation against illegal immigrants, combined with low immunisation coverage, security challenges in southern KP, and operational failures of the polio programme, are among the primary factors behind the resurgence of polio in Pakistan, officials informed a Senate panel on Thursday.

So far, 59 polio cases have been reported this year, with 60 percent involving zero-dose children who had severe disabilities due to not receiving any vaccine included in the country’s Routine Immunisation (RI) programme.

The alarming situation came under scrutiny during the Senate Standing Committee on Health meeting, chaired by Senator Aamir Waliuddin Chishti.

“While there have been commendable efforts, it is a matter of deep concern that Pakistan remains one of only two countries in the world where polio still persists,” Senator Chishti remarked. He commended the dedication of polio workers but emphasised the need for stronger measures to tackle the crisis.

Key updates were shared by Dr. Mukhtar Bharath, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Health, who highlighted the pivotal role of the National Institute of Health in tackling the issue. “The Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) and our other institutions continue to play a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and management of polio cases,” he said.

Despite achieving 14 months of polio-free status between 2021 and 2022, the virus has resurfaced due to multiple factors, including inadequate immunisation coverage and increased intercity travel, especially after the government’s operation to repatriate illegal immigrants from Afghanistan, Dr. Bharath said.

He said that travel during religious festivals, such as Eid, has exacerbated the spread of the virus. “Families traveling from polio-endemic areas, such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to Karachi have carried the virus with them. This mobility has hindered efforts to contain outbreaks,” he said.

He further revealed alarming statistics, such as a single union council in Dera Ismail Khan recording seven polio cases. Captain (retd) Anwar-ul-Haq, Coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), highlighted specific regions, including Quetta, Peshawar, and Karachi, as areas where the virus poses significant challenges.

“The spread is particularly severe in Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the security situation makes immunisation campaigns nearly impossible after dark,” he explained. Door-to-door vaccination efforts in conflict zones remain critical to controlling the virus but face immense challenges, he added.

Senator Dr. Humayun Mohmand emphasised the international embarrassment caused by polio’s persistence in Pakistan. “Even today, visa applications to several countries require proof of polio vaccination, and some countries administer drops at their airports. While the rest of the world has eliminated polio, Pakistan and Afghanistan are still struggling,” he remarked.

Despite these challenges, the committee praised international organisations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary International, and the World Health Organisation (WHO), for their ongoing support. “These partners have provided critical resources to keep our polio eradication programme operational,” Dr. Bharath said.

He expressed optimism, stating that the government’s ownership of the programme since 2022 has brought improvements, with the virus’s spread expected to decline by February 2025.

Dr. Bharath paid tribute to the 88 polio workers martyred in the line of duty, describing their sacrifices as invaluable. He added that the government has provided support to their families and that the prime minister has personally reached out to honour these sacrifices and reaffirm the government’s commitment to eradicating polio.

The meeting also addressed other health concerns, including the proposed expansion of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme from four to five years. Senator Chishti criticised the lack of stakeholder consultation on this matter and directed further discussions in the next meeting.

The committee also expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of the Pakistan Nursing Council’s president for the second consecutive meeting. Issuing a final warning, Senator Chishti said, “Failure to appear will result in strict disciplinary action.”

Additionally, the committee deferred the “National Institute of Health (Re-organisation) Amendment Bill, 2024” for further deliberations. Senator Irfan Siddiqui called for a robust follow-up on polio eradication, suggesting another review in three months.

Senator Chishti reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to eradicating polio. “We must act decisively to eliminate this virus from Pakistan. The path forward requires enhanced immunisation efforts, public awareness, and continued collaboration with international partners,” he concluded.

The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Senator Anusha Rahman, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Health Secretary Nadeem Mahbub, and other stakeholders.