Poliovirus Case Reported in Islamabad After 16 Years

Officials have confirmed a case of poliovirus in the federal capital after 16 years, bringing the tally of cases reported this year to 17. The virus has been detected in environmental samples from 64 districts across the country, highlighting the presence of the virus in those areas.

The fresh case was reported from Islamabad’s Union Council Rural 4, the first case in the city since 2008. The victim, an eight-year-old boy, tested positive for wild poliovirus (WPV1).

Government officials are ramping up efforts to vaccinate children and eradicate polio from the country. A nationwide vaccination campaign is planned from Sept 9 to 13, covering 115 districts and aiming to vaccinate over 33 million children under five.

Despite setbacks, there is optimism for eradicating polio with a collective approach. The road ahead includes a thorough analysis of failures, restoration of accountable leadership, and a strategic plan to reverse the current virological trends.

Let’s work together to push the virus back and achieve a polio-free Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2024

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