Polio Eradication in Pakistan: WHO’s Role in the Last Mile
Introduction: A Fight That’s Not Over — Yet
Pakistan is one of only two countries in the world where polio remains endemic — the other being Afghanistan. For over three decades, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been at the frontlines of Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts, partnering with the government, health workers, and global donors.
Despite major progress, the mission isn’t complete. This is a story of hope, hurdles, and hard lessons, as Pakistan pushes through the final and most difficult stretch — what health experts call “the last mile.”
🦠 What is Polio — and Why is it Still Here?
Polio (poliomyelitis) is a highly contagious virus that mainly affects children under 5, potentially leading to permanent paralysis or death. It has been eradicated in most parts of the world thanks to vaccines.
In Pakistan, however, a mix of logistical, cultural, and security challenges has kept the virus alive in certain districts.
🏥 WHO’s Role in Pakistan’s Polio Campaign
The World Health Organization leads the technical coordination and surveillance operations under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), alongside:
- UNICEF
- The Government of Pakistan
- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Rotary International
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Key Contributions by WHO:
- Tracking virus transmission through environmental samples and case reporting
- Training thousands of vaccinators and field workers
- Running Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) across provinces
- Supporting mobile health teams to reach children in remote or conflict-affected areas
- Responding swiftly to outbreaks with rapid immunization campaigns
🚧 The Challenges: What Makes Pakistan’s “Last Mile” So Tough?
1. Misinformation & Vaccine Hesitancy
In some areas, false rumors have spread that polio vaccines are harmful or part of a foreign agenda. WHO has worked with local media, imams, and community leaders to counter this with science-based public awareness.
2. Security Risks
Vaccinators have been attacked and even killed in certain tribal and rural areas. WHO has advocated for better protection and works closely with law enforcement during campaigns.
3. Cross-Border Movement
Uncontrolled movement between Pakistan and Afghanistan makes it difficult to isolate and control outbreaks — both countries must coordinate immunization efforts at the border.
4. Inaccessibility
Flooded regions, mountainous terrain, and urban slums all pose major logistical challenges. WHO helps deploy mobile teams, drones, and geo-mapping tools to locate every child.
📈 Progress So Far
- In 1994, Pakistan recorded over 20,000 cases per year
- By 2022, the number dropped to 20–25 cases annually
- As of 2024, the numbers remain in single digits — but any number above zero is still a threat
Pakistan is now in what health officials call the “high-risk low-transmission phase” — the most difficult and sensitive stage, where even one missed child could bring the virus back.
🔄 WHO’s Updated Strategy
WHO’s 2022–2026 strategy in Pakistan focuses on:
- Zero-dose tracking (children missed during routine campaigns)
- Gender-balanced community health teams to improve trust
- Enhanced surveillance, especially in high-risk districts like North Waziristan, Quetta, and Karachi
- Emergency response readiness in case of new outbreaks
🧾 Final Thoughts: This Is Everyone’s Fight
The world is closer than ever to making polio history — but history will only be made if the last few pockets of resistance are overcome. WHO continues to stand with Pakistan, but eradicating polio requires national unity, trust in science, and commitment from every layer of society.
“We are not just fighting a virus — we are fighting fear, rumors, and fatigue.”
— WHO Pakistan, 2024
The last mile may be the hardest — but with persistence, it’s also the most rewarding.
