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On Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized Pakistan for reducing polio cases by over 99% since 1994, marking a significant achievement in the global fight against the disease. However, the WHO also issued a call to action, highlighting the challenges Pakistan faces as it works toward completely eradicating polio.
The country reported at least 73 polio cases in 2023, a sharp increase from just one in 2021. These cases are rapidly spreading in volatile regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the northwestern part of the country and Balochistan in the southwest. The first case of polio in 2024 was reported last Wednesday from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, raising concerns about the ongoing risk in these areas.
Polio’s Resurgence Amid Progress
Pakistan, alongside neighboring Afghanistan, remains one of only two polio-endemic countries in the world. Back in the early 1990s, Pakistan recorded as many as 20,000 cases annually. However, thanks to coordinated vaccination efforts and global partnerships, the number of cases drastically decreased, with only six cases reported in 2023, compared to eight in 2018 and just one in 2021.
Despite this progress, the eradication efforts have faced significant setbacks in recent years. Militants and religious extremists have targeted vaccination campaigns, creating barriers to reaching children in high-risk areas. Misinformation about the vaccine, often fueled by anti-government and anti-Western sentiment, has also slowed the progress of efforts in some regions.
WHO’s Commitment to “Run the Last Mile”
In light of these challenges, the WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan in its efforts to eliminate polio once and for all. A statement posted by the organization on X (formerly Twitter) praised Pakistan’s achievement of reducing polio cases by more than 99% since 1994. The WHO emphasized that it would continue to stand by Pakistan to “run the last mile” in eradicating the disease and ensuring that no child remains vulnerable to polio.
“No child will be safe from polio until all children are safe,” the WHO said. This commitment was reiterated at a meeting in Islamabad, where the Technical Advisory Group for Polio Eradication gathered to discuss global efforts to combat the disease.
The Role of Funding in the Fight Against Polio
One of the biggest challenges facing Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts is the funding gap. Despite support from global donors, the WHO’s Deputy Director Dr. Mike Ryan expressed concern about the lack of adequate funding for the country’s polio programs. In a video posted on January 28, Dr. Ryan warned that there remained a $68 million gap in funding for Pakistan’s polio eradication program in 2025.
“Urgent funding is required so the hard-fought gains are not jeopardized,” Dr. Ryan stated. The Pakistan Polio Eradication Program is scheduled to begin its first nationwide vaccination campaign of 2024 from February 3-9, but without sufficient funding, the future of these efforts could be at risk.
Political and Geopolitical Challenges
Political instability and international tensions have further complicated Pakistan’s fight against polio. Last year, former US President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend foreign aid for 90 days and withdraw the United States from the WHO raised concerns about the impact this could have on global health initiatives. Hanan Balkhy, the WHO’s Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, cautioned that the polio eradication efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan could be at risk due to these geopolitical changes.
Looking Ahead: The Next Steps in Polio Eradication
As Pakistan prepares for its nationwide vaccination drive in February, the global community remains focused on supporting the country in overcoming its remaining challenges. The WHO’s continued assistance, coupled with increased funding, is seen as crucial to eliminating the disease from the region and ensuring that future generations grow up free from the risk of polio.
With over 99% of the disease eradicated since 1994, Pakistan is on the brink of making history. However, as the WHO has made clear, the final push to wipe out polio once and for all will require concerted global support and commitment to overcoming the challenges that remain.
As we move forward, the WHO stands firm in its resolve: “We will stand alongside Pakistan to run the last mile and end this global threat.”
