From crisis to control: Balochistan's polio breakthrough
In 2024, Balochistan faced an alarming situation: all 23 of its environmental surveillance (ES) sites tested positive for poliovirus, pushing the provincial positivity rate to 72%. The crisis peaked in September when 95% of samples were positive and five cases of wild poliovirus were confirmed. The Quetta Block, a historically high-risk area, recorded an alarming 98% positivity rate—sparking serious concern among public health officials.
However, since late 2024, a steady and promising decline has emerged. By June 2025, only 4 out of 23 environmental samples tested positive, reflecting a sharp drop in positivity to 17%. This downward trend is a result of strengthened surveillance, timely interventions, and consistent community engagement, signaling a major shift in the province's epidemiological landscape.
When viewed against the national backdrop, Balochistan's progress stands out. In Sindh, environmental surveillance positivity rose from 70% in 2024 to 84% in 2025, with the Karachi Block still struggling—reporting 94% positivity this year and 83% in June alone. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has reported 22 polio cases in 2024 and 8 more in 2025, mostly concentrated in its southern belt. Sindh has confirmed 4 new cases this year after reporting 23 in 2024, while Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan have reported one case each.
In contrast, Balochistan's zero-case status in 2025 is a notable public health milestone. Officials attribute this success to an integrated approach combining high-quality immunization campaigns, community trust-building efforts, and the unwavering commitment of health workers, government authorities, and partner organizations.
'This progress reflects the resilience and dedication of everyone involved—from frontline vaccinators to local leaders,' said Inamul Haque, Coordinator of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Balochistan.
Religious leaders have played a pivotal role, using Friday sermons and local gatherings to encourage vaccination. Media partners have countered misinformation and amplified credible voices, while development agencies have provided technical and logistical support. The provincial government and district administrations have demonstrated strong ownership, ensuring each campaign is thoroughly planned, resourced, and monitored.
Initiatives like the Immunity Express, journalist engagement at the divisional level, community outreach by social mobilizers, and localized engagement activities have played a key role in increasing vaccine acceptance—especially in historically resistant areas.
'Environmental sample positivity is declining—and that gives us hope,' added Inamul Haque. 'But the virus still lurks. The moment we become complacent, it will strike again.'
As Balochistan moves forward, its progress serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through unity, persistence, and public trust.
Mohammad Zafar Baloch is a freelance journalist based in Quetta
All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the writer
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
27-07-2025
- Express Tribune
From crisis to control: Balochistan's polio breakthrough
Balochistan is witnessing a remarkable turnaround in its battle against poliovirus, with 2025 marking a period of steady progress and renewed hope. Once grappling with some of the country's highest poliovirus transmission rates, the province now shows a significant decline in environmental surveillance positivity and—most notably—has not reported a single wild poliovirus case so far this year. In 2024, Balochistan faced an alarming situation: all 23 of its environmental surveillance (ES) sites tested positive for poliovirus, pushing the provincial positivity rate to 72%. The crisis peaked in September when 95% of samples were positive and five cases of wild poliovirus were confirmed. The Quetta Block, a historically high-risk area, recorded an alarming 98% positivity rate—sparking serious concern among public health officials. However, since late 2024, a steady and promising decline has emerged. By June 2025, only 4 out of 23 environmental samples tested positive, reflecting a sharp drop in positivity to 17%. This downward trend is a result of strengthened surveillance, timely interventions, and consistent community engagement, signaling a major shift in the province's epidemiological landscape. When viewed against the national backdrop, Balochistan's progress stands out. In Sindh, environmental surveillance positivity rose from 70% in 2024 to 84% in 2025, with the Karachi Block still struggling—reporting 94% positivity this year and 83% in June alone. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has reported 22 polio cases in 2024 and 8 more in 2025, mostly concentrated in its southern belt. Sindh has confirmed 4 new cases this year after reporting 23 in 2024, while Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan have reported one case each. In contrast, Balochistan's zero-case status in 2025 is a notable public health milestone. Officials attribute this success to an integrated approach combining high-quality immunization campaigns, community trust-building efforts, and the unwavering commitment of health workers, government authorities, and partner organizations. 'This progress reflects the resilience and dedication of everyone involved—from frontline vaccinators to local leaders,' said Inamul Haque, Coordinator of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Balochistan. Religious leaders have played a pivotal role, using Friday sermons and local gatherings to encourage vaccination. Media partners have countered misinformation and amplified credible voices, while development agencies have provided technical and logistical support. The provincial government and district administrations have demonstrated strong ownership, ensuring each campaign is thoroughly planned, resourced, and monitored. Initiatives like the Immunity Express, journalist engagement at the divisional level, community outreach by social mobilizers, and localized engagement activities have played a key role in increasing vaccine acceptance—especially in historically resistant areas. 'Environmental sample positivity is declining—and that gives us hope,' added Inamul Haque. 'But the virus still lurks. The moment we become complacent, it will strike again.' As Balochistan moves forward, its progress serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through unity, persistence, and public trust. Mohammad Zafar Baloch is a freelance journalist based in Quetta All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the writer
Business Recorder
30-05-2025
- Business Recorder
Polio immunisation campaign enters final round in Punjab
LAHORE: The third national polio immunisation campaign of the year, deemed critical for interrupting the ongoing poliovirus transmission, has entered its final phase in Punjab. As of Thursday, polio teams visited house-to-house during the designated catch-up days to reach children who were missed in earlier days of vaccination. In major urban centers and high-risk districts classified as 'mega districts,' the campaign will continue for a full 7 days, concluding on Sunday. In other districts across the province, the drive will run for 5 days and end on Friday (tomorrow). This campaign is especially significant given the onset of the high poliovirus transmission season, which typically lasts from May through September, coinciding with hot and humid conditions that are conducive to virus survival and spread. The timing of the campaign is also strategic, preceding the Eid holidays — a period marked by extensive human mobility. This increased movement raises the risk of virus transmission from one region to another, particularly affecting unvaccinated or immunocompromised children. These children are at heightened risk of contracting and spreading the virus, potentially undermining the gains made in previous immunization rounds. In the first three days alone, frontline polio workers successfully vaccinated over 15 million children under the age of five. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Coordinator, Adeel Tasawar, urged teams to intensify efforts during the catch-up days, emphasizing the importance of revisiting homes where children were missed. 'Achieving high coverage is key to boosting herd immunity,' he stated, 'ensuring the poliovirus has no sanctuary in our communities.' Tasawar called on caregivers and parents to cooperate with polio teams and report any missed children or related issues by contacting the national helpline at 1166. He praised polio workers as national heroes, recognizing their tireless efforts to go door-to-door with the sole mission of eradicating polio from Pakistan. 'They deserve respect, support, and a glass of water if needed,' he added, encouraging the public to honor their dedication. He also lauded the vital role of civil society, which has provided extensive moral support to polio workers, particularly in areas with difficult terrain or security challenges. He reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to achieving a polio-free Pakistan, stating that complete eradication is not only a public health priority but a moral responsibility to future generations. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Polio campaign launched to immunise over 10m children
The Sindh government's Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has launched a province-wide anti-polio campaign, which will continue until June one. According to the EOC Sindh spokesperson, the campaign aims to vaccinate over 10.6 million children under the age of five across 30 districts of the province. More than 80,000 trained polio workers will go door to door to administer the drops, supported by 25,539 security personnel. In addition to polio drops, children aged six to 59 months will also receive Vitamin A supplements to help boost their immunity. Following successful rounds in February and April, this phase is considered crucial in strengthening nationwide efforts to eradicate the poliovirus. Although significant progress has been made, environmental samples from districts like Karachi, Hyderabad, and Larkana still show traces of the virus. So far, four polio cases have been reported in Sindh this year. The spokesperson emphasised that as long as the poliovirus exists anywhere in the world, it remains a threat to our children. This campaign reflects our collective commitment to reaching every child and eliminating polio for good. The campaign is currently underway in 1,292 union councils across Sindh, where district administrations, the health department, and partner organisations are actively supporting polio teams. EOC Sindh urges parents, teachers, religious scholars, media, and community leaders to play a proactive role in this national cause. If a child has missed their polio drops, citizens are encouraged to call the helpline at 1166 or send a WhatsApp message to 0346-7776546.
