Latest news with #PakistanPolioProgramme
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Gunmen in Pak's Balochistan kill police personnel guarding polio vaccine team
Unidentified gunmen shot dead a police personnel guarding a polio vaccination team in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Tuesday before escaping from the scene, local media reported. According to the police, the polio workers were unharmed in the incident, while the body of the victim, identified as Abdul Waheed, has been taken to the hospital. The policeman was a resident of Nushki, Balochistan, where the incident happened, the Dawn newspaper reported. Also Read: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif signals intent for peace talks with India: 'We want to resolve all disputes' Both provincial and federal officials have condemned the incident, calling it intolerable and beyond comprehension. President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack and offered heartfelt condolences to the family of the bereaved, the newspaper said. He noted that the courage and sacrifice of polio officials '[inspires] us all to save our children from this crippling disease'. Also Read: Iran calls for joint efforts with Pakistan against Israel: 'Stop Zionist regime's Gaza crimes' The president reiterated Pakistan's commitment to fully eradicating polio 'We have the tools, the will, and the support of our global partners to make this vision a reality. I call on parents to open their doors to vaccinators, ensuring every child receives the life-saving polio drops. 'I urge teachers, religious leaders, and community elders to champion this noble cause, dispelling myths and building trust. I appeal to the media to amplify the truth: the polio vaccine is safe, effective, and our best weapon,' Zardari said in a statement. Also Read: In Bahrain, Asaduddin Owaisi calls Pakistan a 'failed state', praises Indian government Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the attack on those safeguarding children's future is beyond comprehension and cannot be tolerated. "We salute the sacrifice of Shaheed Abdul Waheed, who gave his life for the protection of Pakistan's children," spokesperson for the Balochistan government, Shahid Rind, was quoted as saying by Samaa TV. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident yet. According to the Pakistan Polio Programme, more than 45 million children up to five years of age will be administered polio vaccine and vitamin A drops during the campaign. According to a statement, 400,000 polio workers will participate in the anti-polio campaign. Earlier this week, two new polio cases were reported in the Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bringing the number of children infected with the crippling virus this year to 10. Five of the 10 reported cases were from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Pakistan is one of the last two countries in the world, besides Afghanistan, where polio remains endemic. Despite global efforts to eradicate the virus, challenges such as safety issues, vaccine hesitancy, and misinformation remain in eliminating the virus.
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Year's third polio drive kicks off
A health worker administers polio drops to a child during a door-to-door vaccination campaign amidst heavy snow in the Bakwali-Surgan area of Azad Jammu Kashmir's Neelum Valley, on February 4, 2025. (AFP In continued efforts toward a polio-free Pakistan, the Pakistan Polio Programme launched its third National Immunisation Days (NIDs) campaign of the year on Sunday at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), Islamabad. The campaign was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister's Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq, alongside members of the Polio Programme's core group and representatives of partner organisations. To mark the launch, Farooq administered oral polio vaccine and Vitamin A drops to children under five, reinforcing the government's unwavering commitment to eradicating the crippling disease from every corner of the country. Scheduled to begin on May 26, the weeklong campaign aims to vaccinate over 45 million children under five, making it a critical intervention in Pakistan's final push to interrupt poliovirus transmission and achieve eradication by the end of 2025. "Polio eradication is not just a health goal — it is a national imperative and a matter of immense pride for our country," Farooq said. "This third campaign of 2025 marks a decisive milestone in our 2-4-6 roadmap. These back-to-back rounds from September 2024 to May 2025 represent our most strategic opportunity to close immunity gaps and halt virus circulation before the high transmission season begins." Farooq acknowledged the persistent challenges in key reservoirs such as Karachi, South K-P and Quetta Block but noted encouraging progress in reaching previously underserved populations. She also extended heartfelt appreciation to the 400,000 frontline workers powering the campaign, including 225,000 female vaccinators and recognised the critical role of civil and military law enforcement in ensuring safe access to children. Despite major gains, wild poliovirus continues to pose a threat. Pakistan has confirmed 10 cases so far this year. Environmental surveillance has detected the virus in 272 sewage samples from 127 testing sites, across 68 districts, signalling continued circulation. Speaking at the event, UNICEF representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil, expressed confidence in the programme's direction. As he concluded his tenure in Pakistan, Fadil commended the national leadership and Farooq for their tireless dedication to polio eradication. "Pakistan is closer than ever to making history. With continued political will, community engagement, and coordinated action by all partners, I believe this country can soon achieve a polio-free future," he said. The public is strongly encouraged to cooperate with vaccination teams and report any missed children via the Sehat Tahaffuz Helpline 1166 or the WhatsApp Helpline at 0346-7776546.
Express Tribune
07-03-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Pakistan honours female polio workers ahead of International Women's Day
The Pakistan Polio Eradication Program paid tribute to female polio workers on Friday, recognising their dedication and contributions in high-risk areas during a ceremony in Islamabad on Friday ahead of International Women's Day (March 8). Female health workers are at the forefront of the country's polio eradication efforts, constituting more than 58.4% of the polio workforce. They play a leading role in the crucial door-to-door inoculation drives, often working in some of the most challenging environments. During the ceremony, Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister's Focal Person on Polio, reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting female workers. "Today, as we commemorate International Women's Day, I want to reaffirm our collective commitment to ensuring a safe, dignified, and enabling environment for every female frontline worker," she said. Farooq also highlighted the Pakistan Polio Programme's implementation of an anti-harassment policy, ensuring a secure and professional environment for female workers. The event gathered national and provincial coordinators of the polio program, alongside senior officials, and included video messages from frontline female workers who shared their experiences. Many spoke about the challenges they face, such as convincing hesitant families to vaccinate their children, while expressing pride in their role in working towards a polio-free future. Anwarul Haq, the top official at the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), praised the dedication of female workers, calling them the 'backbone' of Pakistan's polio eradication efforts. 'This year's theme resonates deeply with us at the National Emergency Operations Center as we honor female polio workers who are considered as the backbone of Pakistan's polio eradication efforts,' he said. "These women work tirelessly, often in difficult and high-risk areas, to ensure every child receives the life-saving polio vaccine," he added. Haq further emphasised the importance of empowering women in public health roles. "Their courage and unwavering commitment reflect the incredible strength of Pakistani women," he said. "Empowering them is not just about recognizing their contributions: it is about strengthening our communities and ensuring a healthier, polio-free Pakistan," he added. Haq also stressed the significance of gender sensitivity in public health, noting that supporting women in frontline health roles contributes to building a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous society. Pakistan recently concluded its first nationwide anti-polio campaign of 2025, with authorities reporting six polio cases so far this year. Additional vaccination rounds are planned for April and May, as the country continues its efforts to eradicate the disease.
Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Pakistan reports third polio case of 2025 in Sindh
Listen to article Pakistan has confirmed its third case of wild polio virus Type 1 in 2025, with the latest case reported from the Larkana district in Sindh province. This marks the second polio case in Sindh this year, bringing the total number of cases in the province to two, while Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has reported one case, Express News reported. According to the Polio Eradication Programme, 74 polio cases were reported across the country in 2024, with the highest number from Balochistan (27 cases), followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (22 cases), Sindh (23 cases), and one each from Punjab and Islamabad. The first nationwide polio campaign of 2025, held from February 3 to 9, successfully reached 99% of its targets, vaccinating over 45 million children against the virus. Currently, Pakistan is in the midst of its second round of catch-up activities, focusing on administering EPI antigens to children under the age of five. In line with the Pakistan Polio Programme, a fractional IPV-OPV polio campaign is being launched in the Quetta Division and Karachi on February 20 and 22, aiming to vaccinate approximately 1 million children. Despite these ongoing efforts, the country continues to face challenges in eliminating the virus, with cases emerging in different regions, underlining the need for continued vigilance and vaccination drives
Express Tribune
26-01-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Poliovirus found in sewage of three districts
ISLAMABAD: The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed the presence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in environmental samples collected from three districts. Sewage samples taken from Thatta, Umerkot and Naushahro Feroze on December 23 and 24, 2024, tested positive for WPV1, sparking renewed concerns about the spread of the paralysing disease. Polio, an incurable disease that causes paralysis, remains a persistent threat. Experts stress the critical importance of administering multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completing routine vaccination schedules for children under the age of five to ensure high immunity against the virus. The Pakistan Polio Programme conducts multiple mass vaccination drives each year, delivering the vaccine directly to children at their doorsteps. Meanwhile, the Expanded Programme on Immunisation offers free vaccinations against 12 childhood diseases at health facilities nationwide. The year's first polio vaccination campaign is scheduled to run from February 3 to February 9 across the country. Parents are urged to ensure that all their children under the age of five are vaccinated during this crucial campaign to keep them protected against this debilitating disease.
