Pakistan has begun a week-long polio eradication campaign aimed at vaccinating over 44.7 million children under the age of five. The campaign, which spans across 143 districts of the country, has been launched amid tight security to prevent any potential attacks on polio workers. This year has seen a rise in polio cases, with 63 reported so far. However, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts of the federal and provincial governments to overcome this challenge and ultimately eliminate the disease from Pakistan.
Pakistan's Relentless Fight against Polio: A Comprehensive Overview
Pakistan has embarked on yet another week-long polio eradication campaign, aiming to vaccinate over 44.7 million children under the age of five. The campaign, which encompasses 143 districts across the nation, has been initiated amidst heightened security measures to safeguard polio workers from potential attacks.
Background
Pakistan has been grappling with the scourge of polio for decades. In 1994, the country reported over 20,000 cases of the crippling disease. Through relentless efforts, the number of cases was dramatically reduced to just 8 in 2019. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of polio cases, with 63 reported so far this year.
Current Campaign
The current campaign is the largest and most extensive polio eradication initiative undertaken in Pakistan. Over 270,000 polio workers have been mobilized to administer polio drops to children across 143 districts. The campaign will prioritize high-risk areas, where the virus is most likely to spread.
Security Measures
Recognizing the threat of violence against polio workers, the government has deployed a robust security force to protect them. This includes over 300,000 police and security personnel, who will be stationed along vaccination routes and at health facilities.
Prime Minister's Assurance
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts of the federal and provincial governments to overcome the challenge of polio and eliminate the disease from Pakistan. He has emphasized the importance of community engagement in ensuring the success of the campaign.
FAQs about Pakistan's Polio Eradication Efforts
Q1: What is polio? A1: Polio is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause paralysis and even death. It is primarily transmitted through contaminated water or food.
Q2: Why is Pakistan still struggling to eradicate polio? A2: Pakistan faces several challenges in its fight against polio, including low vaccination coverage in some areas, security concerns for polio workers, and the presence of environmental reservoirs of the virus.
Q3: What is the government doing to prevent polio? A3: The government is conducting regular polio vaccination campaigns, implementing surveillance systems to detect cases early, and working to strengthen immunity through multiple immunization rounds.
Q4: What can the public do to help? A4: The public can support the polio eradication effort by ensuring that their children receive all recommended doses of the polio vaccine, reporting any suspected cases, and encouraging others in their communities to get vaccinated.
Q5: When will Pakistan be polio-free? A5: It is difficult to predict when Pakistan will be polio-free. However, the country's commitment to eradication efforts and the support of the international community give hope that this goal will be achieved in the future.
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