Poliomyelitis in Pakistan: Challenges to polio eradication and future prospects
Haroon Shabbir, Sajeel Saeed, Muhammad Farhan, Khawar Abbas, Mohammad Ebad Ur Rehman, Fahad Gul, Jawad Basit
Abstract
Poliomyelitis is a viral disease that causes acute paralysis, muscle weakness and autonomic dysfunction. It primarily affects children under the age of five. It is mainly transmitted via the feco-oral route, through contaminated water. As of the year 2022, Pakistan remains one of the two countries where polio is still endemic, the other being Afghanistan. Numerous myths and misconceptions regarding the polio vaccine, lack of awareness and proper governance, terrorism and difficult access to remote areas due to poor infrastructure are just some of the reasons why polio remains endemic in Pakistan to this day. Therefore, the government should take measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of health care workers, as well as spread awareness regarding the importance of polio vaccines, while addressing the myths and misconception regarding said vaccines.