Poliovirus in Karachi

Polio Endemic Persists: Poliovirus in Karachi detected

Introduction:
The battle against polio in Pakistan faces ongoing challenges as the poliovirus rears its head once again, with a recent detection in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city. Despite significant efforts to eradicate the disease, the virus continues to threaten the health of children in the region.

Poliovirus in Karachi,reveals the virus endemic in Pakistan

1. Environmental Sample shows the poliovirus in Karachi :

• In Karachi, Sindh province, Pakistan, a polio virus was recently detected in an environmental sample, raising concerns about the virus’s persistence.
• This newly identified virus is genetically related to a polio cluster initially discovered in Afghanistan.

Widespread Presence of poliovirus in Karachi :

• Approximately 20 similar samples were found in various parts of Pakistan, including Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, in addition to Karachi.
• These findings highlight the extent of the challenge in controlling and eliminating polio.

Stringent Vaccination Measures:

• To tackle the growing threat, strict vaccination measures have been enforced to ensure that children receive the polio vaccine, especially in Karachi.

Government Response:

1. Emergency Measures:

• Care take Health Minister Dr Nadeem Jan has announced the implementation of emergency measures to combat the spread of polio.
• The government’s swift response demonstrates its commitment to eradicating the virus.

1. Special Vaccination Campaign:

• In response to the recent detection in Karachi, a special anti-polio vaccination campaign was initiated.
• This campaign, running from October 30 to November 3, aimed to vaccinate approximately 10 million children under five years of age at their doorsteps.

1. Appeal to Parents:

• The Minister Dr Nadeem Jan urged parents to cooperate with the polio vaccination teams to safeguard their children from permanent disability.
• The success of vaccination campaigns relies on the active involvement of parents and communities.

Polio Cases in Pakistan:

1. Incidence in 2023:

• Pakistan has reported three polio cases this year, all located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district.
• The persistence of polio cases is a significant concern.

Global Endemic:

1. Pakistan and Afghanistan:

• Despite global efforts to eliminate polio, Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only two countries where polio is still endemic.
• This ongoing endemic status poses a challenge to worldwide eradication efforts, according to the World Health Organization.

Poliovirus vaccine refusal Rate in Pakistan

In Karachi, vaccine hesitancy poses a significant challenge to polio immunization efforts, particularly in affluent areas where refusal rates are highest. Despite education levels, attitudes towards vaccination play a crucial role. Dr. Khalid Shafi noted that while less educated individuals tend to be more receptive to vaccination, some affluent families are dismissively stubborn.

He praised government efforts in controlling polio but highlighted the threat from imported cases due to population movement, emphasizing the importance of routine immunization and restricting movement from high-risk areas. Refusal rates in Karachi contradict the notion that education leads to better understanding, with posh areas showing higher rates.

The poliovirus remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan, necessitating efforts to interrupt transmission. Despite progress, challenges persist, with around 5,000 missed children in Sindh and an increase in environmental samples testing positive for the virus, attributed to population movement and expanded surveillance.

Joint efforts between Pakistan and Afghanistan are crucial to control cross-border transmission. Efforts to contain the spread include nationwide vaccination campaigns, with the next scheduled for February 26, targeting affected districts.

Bottom line :
The recent detection of poliovirus in Karachi serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by this disease. Despite significant strides in polio eradication, the challenges are far from over. It is crucial for the government, healthcare workers, and communities to join forces in the fight against polio, working toward a polio-free future for Pakistan and the world.