Polio eradication: Technical Advisory Group meeting today

ISLAMABAD: Following the emergence of 73 polio cases in Pakistan in 2024, the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on Polio Eradication for Pakistan is meeting today (Tuesday) in Islamabad to review the country’s polio situation and formulate actionable recommendations to strengthen eradication efforts, officials say.

The three-day event aims to review the current polio situation, assess progress in eradication efforts and formulate strategies to address challenges including vaccine refusals, surveillance gaps and cross-border coordination with Afghanistan, according to the officials. The 17th TAG meeting is being attended by representatives from global health organizations including the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), GAVI, Rotary International and USAID, alongside national stakeholders.

According to the federal health ministry, the agenda for the 17th TAG meeting includes an in-depth review of the implementation status of recommendations made during the 16th TAG meeting held in Doha, Qatar, in May 2024. The participants will evaluate ongoing challenges in polio eradication such as insecurity, virus detection in sewage samples and efforts to enhance the quality of Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) in high-risk areas. Cross-border coordination with Afghanistan, a key factor in regional eradication goals, is also under discussion.

Pakistan’s reported 73 wild poliovirus (WPV1) cases in 2024 mark a significant setback in its eradication campaign. TAG members, including representatives from WHO, Unicef and other international health organizations, are analyzing the evolving political, security and social dynamics affecting the polio program. Strategies to address vaccine refusals and missed children in high-risk areas, particularly Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are being prioritized.

During the 16th TAG meeting, several key challenges and recommendations were identified, including conducting high-quality vaccination campaigns in Southern KP, improving campaign quality to identify and vaccinate missed children and auditing the Pakistan side of the northern cross-border corridor to ensure effective virus containment. Despite these efforts, the 2024 TAG evaluation concluded that stopping all WPV1 transmission by the year end was unlikely. This week’s meeting aims to refine strategies for 2025 to ensure eradication efforts stay ahead of the virus.

A TAG member disclosed that the first day of the meeting would begin with a regional review of WPV epidemiology in Pakistan and Afghanistan, followed by province-specific updates on polio programs. Discussions would include assessments of surveillance systems and vaccination strategies for hard-to-reach populations.

On the second day, the focus would be shifted to Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) interventions to address vaccine hesitancy among parents. Experts will also discuss the need for synergy between the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) and the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) to maximize vaccination coverage. The final day is dedicated to drafting recommendations for the Pakistani government to enhance its polio eradication strategies. Proposed measures include addressing missed children, improving campaign quality and ensuring robust cross-border coordination with Afghanistan.

Officials emphasized that outcomes of this meeting would play a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s polio eradication roadmap for 2025. Key recommendations are expected to focus on scaling up vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas, enhancing surveillance mechanisms and addressing systemic challenges in vaccine delivery.

As the global effort to eliminate polio edges closer to success, the 17th TAG meeting is a critical opportunity for Pakistan to refine its strategy, address challenges and protect future generations from this debilitating disease.