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WPV1 (Wild polio virus) in Pakistan: The challenges and implications

Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay

September 23, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM

Global health, poliovirus, Outbreak

Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay

  • A recent report by the CDC highlights 21 cases of WPV1 in Pakistan from 2022 to June 2023, all concentrated in the troubled region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

  • The detection of WPV1 in sewage in Karachi indicates gaps in surveillance and immunization campaign quality.

  • Since the beginning of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the limited coverage of vaccination campaigns, security challenges, and gaps in acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance have been challenging.

  • To combat WPV1, the following measures are essential:

  1. Meticulous vaccination planning

  2. Tracking of missed children 

  3. Cooperation with Afghanistan's efforts 

  • The 2021–2022 WPV1 outbreak in southeastern Africa linked to Pakistan is subsiding, and focus is being emphasized on domestic transmission.

  • Swift responses are needed to:

  1. Prevent renewed circulation

  2. Necessitating unwavering efforts in vaccination coverage

  3. Increase efforts in surveillance.

  • To stop WPV1 transmission, Pakistan's polio program must diligently target underserved children, particularly in conflict-prone areas.

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