Latest reports by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest that Pakistan is losing its battle against polio. A quick review of global figures highlights that it was the only polio-endemic country with higher number of reported cases compared to the previous year. The figures are disturbing for Pakistan as the polio virus has resurfaced after being on the verge of eradication from the country. In 2013, a total of 369 polio cases were reported globally out of which 83 were found in Pakistan. Even Afghanistan, Pakistan’s much poorer and war-ravaged neighbor, fared better and only 11 cases of polio came to light in that country.
The government of Pakistan recognizes ‘non-uniform routine immunization coverage’ due to security challenges as the biggest hurdle in its battle against polio. More than half of the country’s reported cases came from the volatile, north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The conservative region has faced the brunt of militancy in recent years and continues to play host to millions of Afghan refugees and other vulnerable mobile population groups. The Taleban have banned polio vaccinations in the tribal regions and frequently attack health workers leading anti-polio drives. As polio campaigners struggle to reach some of the most far flung areas in these regions because of security fears and poor infrastructure, the disease continues to spread throughout the country.
The country can learn vital lessons from its neighbor India, who has been successful in completely eradicating the crippling virus. Like India, Pakistan faces similar challenges of high population growth rate, poor sanitation, weak infrastructure, low expenditure on health services, and lack of trust in anti-polio campaigns. Yet, it was able to beat the disease through a well-focused strategy of the government that partnered with various stakeholders and mobilized community support. By organizing a huge collective effort and then rigorously following up on the set goals, the Indian government was finally able to defeat polio. India’s success story also largely hinged upon the hectic efforts put in by health workers to increase awareness about the disease and implement the innovative strategies.
There is a dire need to restore confidence of health workers in the security arrangements made for polio vaccination campaigns in Pakistan. Local health authorities must also show a greater commitment to monitor the immunization drives and conduct them on a more regular basis, especially in the most backward areas of Pakistan. The government should team up with religious circles and other influential figures to remove the misconceptions surrounding polio vaccinations. Health bodies in all districts need to be empowered to chalk out their own execution plans keeping in mind cultural, economic and other sensitivities unique to each area. In case Pakistan fails to make a dramatic turnaround in its fight against polio, its international standing could be compromised. Donor and other multilateral agencies have already warned official authorities that Pakistani citizens may face travel restrictions and tougher visa policies if the polio virus is not eradicated. It is high time that the government adopts a more serious and holistic approach to root out polio from Pakistan and save the country’s future.
- This article is exclusive to Arab News.
