Pakistan
Status: affected by wild poliovirus type 1
Status: affected by wild poliovirus type 1
Pakistan is affected by ongoing endemic wild poliovirus transmission.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative is focusing on reaching every last child in Pakistan with vaccines, strengthening surveillance and maintaining political commitment, financial resources and technical support at all levels.
Polio this week in Pakistan
- One WPV1 case was reported this week, from Bannu, part of the seven polio-endemic districts located in the southern area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with onset of paralysis on 20 February 2023.
- It is the first WPV1 case in the country in 2023, and the first reported since September 2022. More.
- Intensified efforts continue to be implemented in the country, and in particular in the southern area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to urgently eradicate the remaining endemic WPV1 transmission. Since January 2021, all cases have been reported from seven polio-endemic districts in the southern area of Khyber Pahktunkhwa (out of a total of 171 districts nationwide).
- A risk analysis is currently being implemented, including to help trace the origins of the infection and help identify missed areas or populations, and to take corrective action as needed.
- As an immediate response to the polio case, a house-to-house vaccination campaign has begun in Batkhela and adjoining areas. Six union-councils were part of the two-day activity from 21-22 March, where children under five years of age were vaccinated against polio.
International Health Regulations
Pakistan is classified by the International Health Regulations (IHR) as a state infected with WPV1 with potential risk of international spread, with potential risk of international spread. It is therefore subject to temporary recommendations as of January 2023.
Travel Recommendations
WHO’s International Travel and Health recommends that all travellers to polio-affected areas be fully vaccinated against polio. Residents (and visitors for more than 4 weeks) from infected areas should receive an additional dose of OPV or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) within 4 weeks to 12 months of travel.
