Poliovirus: a long-due battle for Pakistan

Eradication of polio has received gravitation in the past because it deems the host disabled for life. As a result of an unprecedented global effort only three countries remain that have never stopped polio transmission - Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. A dominant set-back to this goal occurred when Pakistan encountered its worst polio epidemic in 2014; a total of 306 cases of polio were diagnosed and recorded in Pakistan, which accounted for nearly 85% of all polio cases worldwide. This epidemic proved to be a major turning point as after this the virus has decreased to 97% and exhibited its least incidence this year in 2018. Pakistan has proved its devoted efforts by devising new strategies: collaborations between Pakistan’s security forces and the polio eradication. Nevertheless, certification of polio eradication ensures that all countries in a region remain polio-free for at least three consecutive years. Hence, the risk for transmission remains if even a single child is a victim to this virus. It is imperative for the general population to recognize polio as a social problem to continue this journey in a steeper manner as it has been established this year.