Islamabad:
The Regional Reference Laboratory for the eradication of polyomyelitis at the National Health Institute has confirmed the presence of Type 1 Silvestre Poliovirus (WPV1) in environmental samples collected from three districts.
The signs of wastewater taken from thatta, UMRKOT and Naushahro fierze on December 23 and 24, 2024, gave positive for WPV1, which caused renewed concerns about the spread of paralyzing disease.
Poly, an incurable disease that causes paralysis, remains a persistent threat.
Experts emphasize the critical importance of administering multiple doses of the polyomyelitis vaccine and completing routine vaccination schedules for children under five years to guarantee a high immunity against the virus.
The Pakistan Polio Program performs multiple mass vaccination units every year, delivering the vaccine directly to children at its doors. Meanwhile, the Expanded Immunization program offers free vaccines against 12 children’s diseases in health centers throughout the country.
The first vaccination campaign against polyomyelitis of the year is scheduled for February 3 to February 9 throughout the country.
Parents are urged to ensure that all their children under five are vaccinated during this crucial campaign to keep them protected against this weakening disease.
