NA health committee discusses monkeypox, polio resurgence

ISLAMABAD: The country’s preparedness against emerging threats like monkeypox and the resurgence of polio were discussed by the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination convened to tackle pressing national health challenges..
During the meeting, chaired by MNA Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, health ministry provided an update on the ongoing efforts to monitor and prevent the spread of monkeypox (mpox), recently declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). 
Enhanced surveillance measures at airports, supported by additional health personnel, were highlighted as a key strategy in managing potential mpox cases. 
The ministry reassured the committee that comprehensive screening mechanisms at airports and border crossings were in place to prevent the virus’s spread.
In the backdrop of polio resurgence in the country, the ministry presented alarming data on new polio clusters, particularly in regions bordering Afghanistan. 
As per the official data, the percentage of positive environmental samples has risen sharply, from 1pc in 2023 to 25pc in 2024, signalling an increased risk of transmission. 
The committee expressed concern over gaps in routine immunisation coverage across several provinces, which has contributed to the surge in cases. The number of affected districts has increased from 14 in 2023 to 67 in 2024, prompting urgent calls to strengthen vaccination efforts. 
Despite ongoing campaigns, regions such as South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Quetta, and Karachi remain difficult areas in the quest for polio eradication.
The ministry also briefed the committee on the ongoing tuberculosis (TB) crisis, revealing that Pakistan records approximately 600,000 new cases annually, pointing out that a lack of sufficient domestic funding continues to hinder efforts to address the issue. 
The Parliamentary Caucus on TB has played a crucial role in maintaining focus on prevention and treatment despite political transitions. The committee stressed the importance of provincial governments actively engaging in the fight against TB, urging them to make it a top priority in their health agendas. Increased attention and resources were called for to ensure TB becomes a regional health priority.
The meeting was attended by MNAs Dr. Shaista Khan, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Ms. Sabheen Ghoury, Ms. Farukh Khan, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Ms. Aliya Kamran, Dr. Amjad Ali Khan, Dr. Darshan, Mir Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, Shahram Khan, Nisar Ahmed, Dr. Azim ud Din Zahid, and Muhammad Shabbir Ali Qureshi. Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination, along with senior officials from the ministry, also participated.