The Global Polio Eradication Initiative has worked hand in hand with governments and global partners to eradicate poliovirus worldwide, bringing about a substantial 99% reduction in global cases.
However, wild poliovirus - remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and interrupting virus transmission in this one epidemiological block is critical to reaching zero polio. Benefiting from the unwavering commitment of the Government of Pakistan, the National Polio Eradication Programme remains steadfast in its mission to eradicate poliovirus, ensuring a healthier future for children, both within the country and globally. Despite significant strides, several challenges persist, leaving a significant number of children with suboptimal immunity due to the complex socioeconomic and security environment in the - polio high-risk areas. Besides the programme’s - operational gaps, inconsistent access to all vulnerable children on account of insecurity, vaccine hesitancy, refusals, demand-based boycotts and massive population movements continue to hinder achieving zero polio in the country. To finish the job, the Programme has developed a detailed, comprehensive roadmap to enhance operational and managerial capacities to eradication levels and ensure that the circulation of poliovirus is interrupted across the country by June 2025.
The roadmap consists of Three phases:
● Phase I: Resetting the Programme to Eradication Level (2 Months: July and August 2024)
● Phase II: Reversing Current Virological Trends (4 Months: From September to December 2024)
● Phase III: Targeting Remaining Virus Pockets (6 Months: From January to June 2025)
To ensure high-quality implementation of the roadmap and enhance access to all activities, programme oversight and accountability will be strengthened, together with a focus on improving security and access, as well as Migrant and Mobile Population (MMP) tracking and vaccination and improved coordination with the Afghanistan program throughout in all three phases of the roadmap.
