Poliovirus Detected in Lahore Sewage Samples, Raises Alarm for New Vaccination Drive 1

The National Institute of Health (NIH) has confirmed the detection of poliovirus in sewage samples from Lahore, raising concerns about the ongoing battle against the disease in Pakistan. According to sources cited by ARY News, the samples were collected from the Gulshan Ravi Disposal Station on August 7 and subsequently tested positive for the virus.

Urgent Vaccination Campaign Planned

In response to this alarming discovery, the polio eradication program has announced an urgent vaccination campaign, set to begin on September 10. The campaign will target specific areas in Lahore, focusing on immunizing children under the age of five. Given the highly infectious nature of the poliovirus, health authorities are urging parents to ensure their children receive the vaccine to prevent the virus’s spread.

Growing Concern Over Rising Polio Cases

This recent finding comes shortly after a 29-month-old girl from Hyderabad’s Liaquat Colony Pretabad was confirmed to be infected with the virus on August 23. This marks the 16th polio case reported in Pakistan this year, with 11 of these cases emerging from Balochistan alone. Sindh has reported its third case of the year. The Sindh polio officials have indicated that the infected child in Hyderabad was malnourished, and the authorities are currently assessing her vaccination status.

Widespread Poliovirus Detection Across Pakistan

The discovery of poliovirus in Lahore’s sewage samples highlights the persistent challenge Pakistan faces in eradicating this debilitating disease. The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication has reported that the virus has been detected in 62 districts across the country this year. This widespread presence of poliovirus in various regions underscores the ongoing risk to children, particularly in communities where vaccination coverage is inadequate.

National Effort to Combat Polio

The Pakistani government, along with international health organizations, has been making concerted efforts to eliminate polio from the country. However, the emergence of new cases and the detection of the virus in environmental samples demonstrate that the battle is far from over. Public health officials emphasize the importance of continued vigilance and widespread vaccination efforts to protect children from this preventable disease.

The upcoming vaccination campaign in Lahore is part of these ongoing efforts, aiming to reach every child under five in the targeted areas. Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in the campaign and ensure that their children receive the polio vaccine, which remains the most effective tool in the fight against polio.

The detection of poliovirus in Lahore’s sewage samples serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for sustained vaccination efforts in Pakistan. As the country grapples with new cases and the virus’s spread in various regions, the upcoming immunization drive will be crucial in protecting vulnerable children and moving closer to the goal of a polio-free Pakistan.