In a recent meeting of the Senate’s Standing Committee on Health, officials revealed that the coverage of the national vaccination program across Pakistan is weak.
Furthermore, Pakistan remains the only country in the world where 88 polio workers have been martyred.
The meeting, chaired by Amir Waliuddin Chishti, discussed the National Health Institute Restructuring Amendment Bill 2024, presented by private member Saleem Mandviwala on November 4.
During the briefing, officials stated that Pakistan is the only country with the tragic loss of 88 polio workers.
Health Coordinator Dr. Mukhtar Bharth emphasized that the National Institute of Health works actively in detecting, diagnosing, and providing lab support for polio cases, following international standards.
Polio Emergency Operations Head Senator Anwarul Haq shared that the polio virus is still present throughout Pakistan. However, the country was polio-free for 14 months between 2021 and 2022, with no reported cases.
He reported 59 polio cases this year, including 19 with minor disabilities and 10 with severe disabilities.
He also mentioned that Quetta has four high-risk blocks, while Peshawar and Karachi are significant areas of concern. He acknowledged the Sindh government’s strong efforts in polio eradication.
Dr. Bharth noted that the commitment in interior Sindh is commendable but stated that the national vaccination program’s coverage remains weak nationwide. However, he reassured that by January next year, the spread of polio will decrease. The Prime Minister has also directed effective measures for its eradication.
Dr. Bharth added that the situation in Karachi and Balochistan is improving, thanks to the significant support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
However, he pointed out that the southern regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa still face considerable challenges. While the world has become polio-free, Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to struggle with the virus.