Polio Eradication Efforts in Pakistan: Current Challenges and Progress

Polio eradication continues to be one of Pakistan’s most critical public health priorities. Although the global fight against polio has achieved remarkable success since the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, Pakistan remains among the very few countries where wild poliovirus transmission has not yet been completely interrupted. Along with Afghanistan, Pakistan faces unique epidemiological, social, and security-related challenges that demand sustained and coordinated efforts. This blog explores the current status of polio eradication in Pakistan, highlights the progress achieved, examines the ongoing challenges, and outlines the way forward in protecting future generations.

Understanding Polio and Its Public Health Impact

Polio, medically known as poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects children below the age of five. The virus attacks the nervous system and can result in permanent paralysis within hours. In severe cases, paralysis of respiratory muscles may prove fatal. Although there is no curative treatment for polio, the disease is entirely preventable through effective immunisation. The oral polio vaccine (OPV) and the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) provide strong protection when administered repeatedly according to recommended schedules. Global health authorities, including the World Health Organization, consistently emphasize vaccination as the cornerstone of polio prevention.

Progress in Polio Eradication in Pakistan

Over the past few decades, Pakistan has made measurable progress in reducing the burden of polio. Large-scale vaccination campaigns, strengthened disease surveillance, and improved coordination with international health partners have significantly lowered the number of reported cases compared to previous decades. While Pakistan once reported thousands of cases annually, recent years have seen this number drop substantially.

In 2024, Pakistan recorded 74 confirmed polio cases, reflecting both the persistence of the virus and the effectiveness of ongoing control measures. By 2025, nationwide immunisation drives, routine vaccination programs, and coordinated cross-border initiatives with Afghanistan played an important role in limiting virus transmission. Multiple national and sub-national vaccination campaigns were launched, targeting tens of millions of children across the country. These efforts demonstrate Pakistan’s continued commitment to achieving a polio-free status.

A major component of this progress is the National Emergency Action Plan, which prioritises high-risk regions such as Karachi, interior Sindh, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Focused campaigns in these areas have helped reduce missed children and improve overall vaccine coverage. Additionally, international financial and technical support has strengthened Pakistan’s eradication program, ensuring continuity despite economic and logistical pressures.

Key Challenges in Polio Eradication

Despite notable improvements, several deeply rooted challenges continue to hinder complete eradication:

Security Concerns

Violence against polio workers remains a serious issue in certain regions. Attacks on vaccination teams and security personnel have disrupted campaigns and limited access to vulnerable populations, putting frontline workers at considerable risk.

Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation

Misconceptions surrounding polio vaccination persist in some communities. False narratives, including fears related to infertility or foreign agendas, have reduced vaccine acceptance. Social media and informal communication networks often amplify these myths, making community trust-building essential.

Mobile and Underserved Populations

Frequent population movement, urban migration, and nomadic lifestyles make it difficult to ensure consistent immunisation. Children from transient families are more likely to miss repeated doses, increasing the risk of virus circulation.

Operational Limitations

Challenges such as gaps in routine immunisation, cold chain management issues, and limited integration between primary healthcare services and polio campaigns weaken program effectiveness in certain districts.

Socioeconomic and Cultural Barriers

Low literacy levels, poverty, and cultural resistance in some areas contribute to missed vaccinations. In certain communities, families intentionally avoid vaccinators, leading to clusters of unprotected children.

Strategies Supporting Pakistan’s Polio Campaign

To address these challenges, Pakistan’s polio eradication program employs multiple evidence-based strategies:

• National Immunisation Days (NIDs): Repeated vaccination rounds ensure that every child under five receives multiple doses for optimal protection.

• Community Engagement: Collaboration with religious scholars, community elders, and local influencers helps counter misinformation and improve trust.

• Enhanced Security Measures: Police and law enforcement agencies provide protection to vaccination teams in high-risk areas.

• Global Partnerships: Support from organisations such as WHO, UNICEF, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative strengthens surveillance, funding, and technical capacity.

The Road Toward a Polio-Free Pakistan

Eliminating polio from Pakistan is challenging but achievable. Sustained political commitment, adequate funding, community participation, and innovative outreach strategies are essential for success. While case numbers have declined in recent years, the presence of even a single case indicates ongoing transmission. Continuous vaccination efforts remain vital until the virus is completely eliminated.

Role of Communities and Healthcare Providers

Parents and caregivers must ensure that children receive all recommended polio vaccine doses during every campaign. Healthcare workers and local authorities play a crucial role in educating communities, addressing concerns, and ensuring no child is missed.

Alongside immunisation, access to reliable healthcare services is equally important. For families seeking medical support and essential health products, online medicine store Pakistan platforms offer convenient solutions. You can buy medicine online from trusted providers such as Dawa Healthcare and Dawa Healthcare Pharmacy, which continue to support community health through accessible and dependable pharmaceutical services.