ISLAMABAD: With a renewed commitment and a strengthened strategy, Pakistan is poised to make significant progress toward a polio-free future, says Dr. Samra Khurram, the Additional Director General of Health Services EPI, besides expressing deep concern over the continued presence of polio cases in the country, despite ongoing eradication efforts.
She reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to making Pakistan a polio-free country, stating that authorities are sparing no effort in their mission.
She said that a comprehensive review of the current polio eradication strategy is underway, involving experts to enhance the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns.
Dr. Khurram emphasized the government's proactive approach, noting that every possible measure is being taken to improve the efficacy of polio vaccination efforts.
"By using the expertise of researchers and stakeholders, the government aims to address gaps in the system, ensuring that no child remains unprotected against this debilitating disease," she added.
However, she expressed concern over continued surfacing of polio cases in the country. "It is tragic that children in Pakistan continue to fall victim to a disease that can be easily prevented with a vaccine that the government delivers right to people's doorsteps," she lamented.
Dr. Khurram underscored that the polio vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect children from the devastating effects of the disease.
She urged parents to take responsibility for ensuring their children receive the full course of vaccinations as prescribed by the government's immunization schedule.
Her appeal comes at a critical juncture as Pakistan continues to face the challenge of polio eradication. By ensuring their children are fully vaccinated, parents can play a crucial role in protecting them from the lifelong consequences of polio and aiding Pakistan's efforts to achieve a polio-free status.
In response to a query, Dr. Khurram confirmed that the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health in Islamabad has detected a case of Wild Poliovirus Type 1 (WPV1) in a child from Miani UC of Chakwal.
The affected child exhibited symptoms of paralysis on July 16, and subsequent testing confirmed the presence of the polio virus, she added.