POB seeks stronger immunisation efforts in high-risk areas to eradicate polio

ISLAMABAD: The Polio Oversight Board (POB), during its recent visit to Pakistan from November 20 to 22, emphasised the need to intensify routine immunisation (RI) efforts in Balochistan and South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

The board highlighted the importance of combining RI with targeted polio vaccination campaigns to ensure consistent access to vulnerable children and achieve complete eradication of polio from the country.

The POB acknowledged Pakistan’s transparent presentation of the forensic analysis of the ongoing polio outbreak, which clearly outlined immunity gaps that have accumulated over the years.

Officials from Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) showcased their robust National Emergency Action Plan (NEAP) 2024-25 and the data-driven 2-4-6 strategy, specifically designed to address these gaps in high-risk areas.

The POB, the highest decision-making body under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), comprises leaders from WHO, UNICEF, the CDC, Rotary International, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The delegation, led by Dr. Chris Elias, included WHO Regional Director Dr. Hanan Balkhy, UNICEF Regional Director Mr. Sanjay Wijesekera, US CDC Deputy Director Ms. Andi Fristedt, and representatives from KS Relief.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to combating polio and expressed gratitude to global partners for their support. “A strategic National Emergency Action Plan (NEAP) is being implemented to reverse the virus surge. All chief ministers and secretaries are providing direct oversight and coordination to fight the current polio outbreak,” he said, stressing that polio eradication remains a top national priority.

Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, hosted the delegation at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) for an in-depth briefing on the NEAP and progress under the 2-4-6 roadmap.

“We are tackling the virus resurgence on a war footing, using tailored strategies to reach missed children, combat vaccine hesitancy, and integrate health services for vulnerable communities,” she said.

Coordinator Muhammad Anwarul Haq shared updates on surveillance improvements and two rounds of intensified campaigns, with a third round scheduled for December. He said that enhanced surveillance has facilitated more efficient detection of cases in remote areas and reduced underperformance in low-performing union councils (UCs).

Despite progress, challenges persist in South KP and other core reservoirs, where vaccine coverage gaps remain significant. The NEOC briefing highlighted ongoing efforts to track and vaccinate moving populations, strengthen immunisation in hard-to-reach areas, and expand community awareness programmes.

The POB delegation also held virtual discussions with provincial emergency operations centers, reviewing localised strategies to address the outbreak. They underscored the need for synchronised vaccination campaigns with Afghanistan to combat cross-border virus transmission.

In Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho detailed efforts to tackle vaccine hesitancy and close immunity gaps in urban centers. During a roundtable discussion with female frontline health workers, the delegation commended their resilience in challenging conditions and encouraged them to continue their vital work.

Expressing confidence in Pakistan’s tightened strategies, the POB projected an improved epidemiological outlook by the first quarter of 2025. They praised the collaborative approach of Pakistan’s polio programme and urged sustained efforts to maintain progress. The delegation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan through technical assistance and advocacy.

The Federal Directorate of Immunisation (FDI) and polio programme representatives discussed synergies between the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and polio initiatives, exploring ways to optimise shared resources and address operational challenges, particularly in underserved areas and high-risk populations.

This marked the POB’s second visit to Pakistan in 2024, underscoring the global community’s strong commitment to eradicating polio. The delegation’s visit emphasised the importance of sustained political and operational leadership in eliminating polio from one of the last remaining endemic countries.