The Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched in 1988 with the goal of eradicating wild-type polio virus infections. While there has been significant progress globally with two of the three types of polio eradicated, wild poliovirus (WPV) type 1 continues to circulate in Pakistan and Afghanistan. A recent article in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), “Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication — Pakistan, January 2023–June 2024,” provided an update, offering a picture of current vaccination efforts and the barriers that remain.
From January 2023 to June 2024, 14 WPV1 cases were reported in Pakistan. Additionally, the number of positive samples from sewage spiked.
Population immunity against polio in Pakistan is difficult to determine based on the in-country situation; however, estimates suggest about 83% to 86% of residents have received some combination of doses that would offer immunity. However, the gaps in immunity that remain set the stage for outbreaks.
To address the spike in cases, supplemental immunization activities have been deployed, including national and regional immunization days to target areas of increased risk. Recent challenges have included an inability to vaccinate in some areas due to security concerns and vaccine boycotts in some communities. The boycotts have been mostly unrelated to vaccination; rather they are attempts by citizens to get other services, such as clean water and electricity.
Transmission is expected to continue through 2024; however, officials in Pakistan remain committed to ongoing vaccination and surveillance efforts. Hopefully, addressing community demands for other services can reduce boycotts and further facilitate vaccination efforts.
Read the full report, which includes broader implications for public health practice.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched in 1988 with the goal of eradicating wild-type polio virus infections. While there has been significant progress globally with two of the three types of polio eradicated, wild poliovirus (WPV) type 1 continues to circulate in Pakistan and Afghanistan. A recent article in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), “Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication — Pakistan, January 2023–June 2024,” provided an update, offering a picture of current vaccination efforts and the barriers that remain.
From January 2023 to June 2024, 14 WPV1 cases were reported in Pakistan. Additionally, the number of positive samples from sewage spiked.
Population immunity against polio in Pakistan is difficult to determine based on the in-country situation; however, estimates suggest about 83% to 86% of residents have received some combination of doses that would offer immunity. However, the gaps in immunity that remain set the stage for outbreaks.
To address the spike in cases, supplemental immunization activities have been deployed, including national and regional immunization days to target areas of increased risk. Recent challenges have included an inability to vaccinate in some areas due to security concerns and vaccine boycotts in some communities. The boycotts have been mostly unrelated to vaccination; rather they are attempts by citizens to get other services, such as clean water and electricity.
Transmission is expected to continue through 2024; however, officials in Pakistan remain committed to ongoing vaccination and surveillance efforts. Hopefully, addressing community demands for other services can reduce boycotts and further facilitate vaccination efforts.
Read the full report, which includes broader implications for public health practice.