Wild Polio virus type 1 (WPV1) stills exists in Quetta as samples collected from the city’s sewage system suggested persistence of the virus in the environment.
The detection of polio virus has rung alarming bells with potential threat for millions of children of below the age of five in the city.
The fresh sewage samples collected by the World Health Organisation (WHO) experts on February 20 from Sur Pul area of Kharotabad were found positive for the wild polio virus type 1.
Talking to APP, WHO immunisation officer in Balochistan Dr Sarfraz, said, “Quetta is still under the looming threat of endemic polio virus though WHO, UNICEF and the government of Balochistan were striving hard to eliminate the crippling disease by putting all resources available.”
He said WHO in line with its commitment and responsibilities collect samples from across the country on routine basis and dispatch to the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad.
“Samples gathered on November 28 and December 28, 2012 from the localities in Quetta including Jamia Salfia Airport Road, Takhtani Bypass and Kharotabad were negative for the polio virus, however, sample collected on February 20 were found positive ringing alarming bells for the millions of children below the age of five,” Dr Sarfraz said.
He said though there was a massive decline in the cases of polio in Balochistan, threats still persisted as evident from the recent report.
When contacted, the additional health secretary and provincial focal person on polio, Nurul Haq Baloch, said detection of polio virus form the environment was though a matter of great concern. “However, we are committed to eradicating the menace from Balochistan and a concerted strategy of the government has brought the dreaded virus to almost its end.”
Giving overview of the polio cases and endeavors jointly made by the government, UNICEF and WHO, he said the previous year only four cases were reported, three in Quetta and one in Shirani district against the number of 58 cases detected in 2011.
“Due to the comprehensive response in line with international outbreak response guidelines, no case has been reported in the prevailing year.”
Three special anti-polio campaigns have been launched in Quetta, Qilla Abdullah and Pishin district considered to be the most affected areas to control the virus.
On April 15 National Immunization Day, anti-polio drive would be launched in all 30 districts to further bring the situation under control.
To a question, Haq said due to the attacks on polio teams in parts of the province, Balochistan government decided to continue work while remaining low profile.
“Acceptance of immunisation in rural parts of the province has increased after we engaged tribal and political leaders in campaigns against polio,” he said.
