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Afghanistan is making significant strides in the fight against polio, reporting only 25 cases in 2024, a stark contrast to Pakistan’s struggles, which saw 68 cases in the same year. This contrast has drawn attention globally, as both countries remain the last two nations where polio is still a threat.
Afghanistan’s Progress
According to a report by Dawn, Afghanistan has managed to keep polio in check, with only a few provinces affected. The country reported cases in just 11 provinces in 2024, a notable success in a region once ravaged by the virus. Environmental surveillance also supports this, with only 100 positive sewage samples detected from 24 sites in Afghanistan.
While some experts have suggested that Afghanistan may be underreporting polio cases, given that not all paralysed children may be tested, this has not been definitively proven. Nonetheless, Afghanistan’s progress has been impressive, considering the challenges it has faced in terms of conflict, security, and healthcare access.
Pakistan’s Setbacks
In stark contrast, Pakistan has faced a significant surge in polio cases in recent years. The virus has affected 83 districts in the country, despite the country’s ongoing polio eradication campaign, which has been in place since 1994. The situation in Pakistan remains dire, with some polio samples from the previous year still awaiting results. Additionally, Pakistan tested 591 positive sewage samples across 106 sites, compared to Afghanistan’s 100 samples from 24 sites.
Experts speculate that Afghanistan’s lower number of reported cases might be due to underreporting, which could account for the discrepancy in comparison to Pakistan’s more robust reporting system. Pakistan’s Polio Programme asserts that it collects samples from every paralysed child in each union council, with thousands of samples being taken annually. Despite this rigorous effort, polio continues to spread, especially in hard-to-reach regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karachi, and Peshawar, where insecurity and political instability make vaccination campaigns challenging.
The Challenges in Pakistan
Pakistan’s struggle with polio eradication is compounded by various factors, including ongoing conflict, political instability, and logistical issues. Security concerns, particularly in tribal regions and areas affected by the war on terror, have made it difficult for polio teams to reach all children. Additionally, anti-vaccine sentiments and misinformation have hindered vaccination efforts, contributing to the persistence of the virus in certain pockets.
In response to the escalating crisis, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed a new team to lead the country’s polio eradication efforts. The new team, including figures like Ayesha Raza Farooq and Anwarul Haq, is tasked with addressing the deep-rooted issues that continue to hinder Pakistan’s progress.
The Way Forward
Despite the challenges, there is hope that Pakistan’s recent leadership change in its polio program will lead to renewed focus and a more effective approach. As Afghanistan shows progress, it raises important questions about the strategies employed by Pakistan in its fight against the virus. The country’s continued struggles underscore the need for a more comprehensive approach, with a focus on overcoming political, social, and logistical barriers to ensure that every child is vaccinated and protected from polio.
