The Pakistan Polio Laboratory at the National Institutes of Health recently discovered the presence of poliovirus in an environmental sample collected from Karachi.
This is the first time in 2023 that poliovirus has been detected in Karachi. The sample was taken on May 15 from the Sohrab Goth area of the city.
This marks the first detection of poliovirus in Karachi raising concerns about potential transmission and the urgency to intensify efforts to control the disease.
Furthermore, poliovirus has also been found in environmental samples in Peshawar, the capital city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, highlighting the spread of the virus in different parts of Pakistan.
The genetic analysis indicates a link between the isolated viruses from Karachi and Peshawar and the virus cluster circulating in neighboring Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, suggesting possible cross-border transmission.
The significance of detecting Poliovirus in environmental samples
The detection of poliovirus in environmental samples from Karachi and Peshawar indicates the presence of a reservoir of the virus within the community.
This underscores the need for active surveillance and monitoring of sewage and water sources to detect and respond to potential outbreaks promptly.
A global priority
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children. It can lead to paralysis, permanent disability, and even death. Eradicating polio globally remains a priority to protect vulnerable populations and ensure a healthier future for children worldwide.
Pakistan’s Polio eradication efforts
Pakistan has made significant progress in its polio eradication efforts over the years. However, challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, limited access to healthcare services, and security concerns in certain areas have hindered the complete elimination of the disease.
Strengthening immunization campaigns
The detection of poliovirus in Karachi and Peshawar should serve as a wake-up call to strengthen immunization campaigns, particularly in high-risk areas.
It emphasizes the importance of reaching every child with multiple doses of the polio vaccine to ensure they develop immunity against the virus.
Community engagement and awareness programs
The importance for vaccination, community engagement and awareness programs are crucial to address misconceptions and increase acceptance of the polio vaccine.
Educating communities about the benefits and safety of vaccination can help overcome resistance and ensure widespread coverage.
The importance of sanitation and hygiene
The detection of poliovirus in environmental samples highlights the significance of maintaining high-quality sanitation systems.
The proper sanitation practices including the safe disposal of waste and improved hygiene, play a crucial role in preventing the spread of the poliovirus through contaminated water sources.
Moreover, International organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, continue to provide support to Pakistan in its polio eradication efforts.
Technical expertise, funding, and the supply of vaccines are essential resources to strengthen immunization programs and surveillance systems.
Therefore, efforts to eradicate polio require a multisectoral approach involving governments, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and international partners as well.
Sustained efforts for a Polio-Free Future
The detection of poliovirus in Karachi and Peshawar serves as a reminder that the fight against polio is not over.
It necessitates sustained efforts, innovation, and dedication to reach every child with lifesaving vaccines and ensure a future free from the burden of polio.
The recent detection of poliovirus in an environmental sample in Karachi, along with the presence of the virus in Peshawar, underscores the need for intensified efforts in Pakistan to control and eradicate polio.
The Vaccination coverage must be strengthened and effective sanitation and hygiene practices should be implemented to prevent the spread of the disease.
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The support of international organizations alongside the commitment of governments and healthcare professionals is essential in achieving the goal of a polio-free Pakistan.
The fight against polio must persist until the disease is eradicated globally ensuring that no child suffers from the devastating effects of this preventable disease.
