Islamabad:
The regional reference laboratory for the eradication of polio at the National Health Institute has confirmed the presence of type 1 wild poliovirus (WPV1) in environmental samples taken from three districts.
The wastewater samples taken from Thista, Umerkot and Naushahro Feroze on December 23 and 24, 2024 were tested positive for WPV1, aroused renewed concerns concerning the spread of paralyzing disease.
Polio, an incurable disease that causes paralysis, remains a persistent threat.
Experts highlight the crucial importance of the administration of several doses of the oral polio vaccine and the completion of routine vaccination calendars for children under the age of five to ensure high immunity against the virus.
The Pakistani Polio program proceeds to several mass vaccination readers each year, offering the vaccine directly to children at their door. Meanwhile, the extended vaccination program offers free vaccinations against 12 infantile diseases in the country’s health establishments.
The first polio vaccination campaign of the year is expected to take place from February 3 to 9 across the country.
Parents are invited to ensure that all their children under the age of five are vaccinated during this crucial campaign to protect them against this debilitating disease.
