- Over 45 million children under age 5 targeted in nationwide initiative
- Six polio cases recorded in 2024 versus 74 infections in 2023
- Health workers face persistent militant attacks despite safety protocols
- Pakistan and Afghanistan remain world's last polio-endemic nations
Health authorities launched Pakistan's second major polio eradication effort this year, deploying 350,000 frontline workers to urban and rural communities. The campaign comes as surveillance data shows promising progress, with current infection rates 88% lower than 2023 figures. Dr. Shahzad Baig, National Emergency Operations Centre coordinator, emphasized: Every missed child becomes a potential carrier. We're using GPS tracking and community influencers to ensure 100% coverage.
Security remains a persistent challenge for vaccination teams. On Tuesday, unidentified assailants injured two health workers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, marking the 14th attack this year. Since 1996, polio initiatives have suffered 217 fatalities, including both medical staff and security escorts. Military personnel now accompany teams in high-risk districts, with 15,000 officers deployed nationwide.
The program incorporates three innovative strategies to combat vaccine hesitancy: 1) SMS verification of administered doses 2) Female-led vaccination squads in conservative regions 3) Mobile clinics at transit hubs targeting nomadic populations. Health Minister Kamal revealed plans to integrate polio prevention with nutrition programs: Malnourished children are 11x more vulnerable to paralysis. We're tackling both issues simultaneously.
Regional analysis shows stark contrasts in eradication progress. While Afghanistan reported 18 cases this year, Nigeria – removed from the endemic list in 2020 – shares key lessons. Dr. Alemayehu Gebregziabher of WHO noted: Nigeria's success stemmed from engaging 45,000 religious leaders as vaccine advocates. Pakistan now replicates this model through its Ulama Polio Eradication Committee.
Economic factors further complicate eradication efforts. A UNICEF study reveals families in polio-affected households experience 23% greater medical debt. The government now links vaccination compliance to conditional cash transfers, benefiting 2.3 million low-income families since January.
