Prioritizing polio eradication in Pakistan’s health agenda   

As the world edges closer to polio eradication, the persistent transmission of the disease in Pakistan and Afghanistan, coupled with a surge in paralysis cases affecting numerous children, highlights a pressing public health and national concern despite global vaccination efforts.

Despite tireless efforts and resources committed to polio eradication in Pakistan, gaps in vaccination coverage persist. Thousands of healthcare workers, alongside dedicated police personnel, have made the ultimate sacrifice while striving to protect children from this devastating disease. Their bravery and resilience in the face of adversity are a testament to their dedication on the front lines, yet much more remains to be done.

Pakistan, alongside Afghanistan, stands as one of the last two countries where polio remains endemic. While the rest of the world has successfully eliminated the disease through the oral polio vaccine, we now have the added advantage of the injectable polio vaccine to strengthen our fight. However, the challenge is far from over as polio continues to spread across every province, threatening the well-being of more children.

The solution lies in prioritising national health with clarity, placing vaccine-preventable diseases like polio, measles, and others at the forefront of the agenda. These diseases not only cause irreversible damage to children but also pose a risk to the global community, as they remain a worldwide health concern. Measles, for instance, continues to claim the lives of countless children annually, alongside preventable diseases like Hepatitis, whooping cough, and pneumonia.

The effects of these diseases extend far beyond the individuals they afflict. Families are torn apart, national productivity is compromised, and the economy suffers. Pakistan must bolster its vaccination programmes to ensure that every child is reached, preventing these diseases from further devastating our society.

We already possess the tools necessary to control, if not eliminate, these diseases. But the responsibility falls upon all of us to ensure our vaccination efforts are effective. Vaccines should not remain unused on shelves; they must be administered to the children who need them most. The government, health authorities, and the public must unite to protect the future of our children.

To win this critical battle, authorities need to intensify their efforts as our children deserve a safe, healthy, and bright future. Through collective action and unwavering commitment, we can control these diseases, safeguard future generations, and move closer to a polio-free Pakistan.