Dr. Malik Bharath Urges Action Against Poliovirus Outbreak

Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, is facing a serious health crisis as the city confirms its fifth case of poliovirus infection this year. The recent tragic death of a two-year-old child in Karachi due to poliovirus has sparked alarm among health officials.

The child initially displayed symptoms in the legs on April 29, which later spread to the arms, ultimately leading to the child's untimely demise. The National Institute of Health's Regional Reference Laboratory identified the poliovirus in the child's siblings and cousins, linking it to the YB3A poliovirus cluster originating from Afghanistan.

Dr. Malik Mukhtar Bharath, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, has stressed the urgent need to eradicate the poliovirus to safeguard all children from this debilitating disease. With four out of five cases reported in Balochistan this year, the government is ramping up efforts to contain the outbreak and enhance vaccination coverage in the province.

Over 50 environmental samples in Balochistan have tested positive for the poliovirus, with 21 samples from Quetta alone. Investigations are underway to pinpoint the source of the virus and target populations with low vaccination rates. Vaccination campaigns and strategies are being rolled out to bolster immunization rates and curb further transmission of the virus.

An extensive anti-polio campaign has been launched in Sindh, aiming to vaccinate more than 540,000 children under five years old. Similar initiatives are underway in Punjab cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Mianwali, and Okara. Health officials are emphasizing the critical importance of these campaigns, particularly during the summer months when the poliovirus is more likely to spread.

Despite the challenges, progress is being made in the fight against polio. Last year, the country reported six polio cases, underscoring the persistent efforts needed to eradicate this disease.

The recent poliovirus outbreak in Quetta serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination and public health measures in safeguarding communities from infectious diseases. It is crucial for families to ensure their children receive timely vaccinations to prevent the spread of poliovirus and protect the health of future generations.