Expanded Program on Immunization in Pakistan: Current Status, Strategies
and Progress towards Polio Eradication
Abstract
Pakistan struggles to eliminate poliomyelitis. There are some principal
tasks to deal with, including ending transmission in central reservoirs,
enduring pressure to exploit the quality of Supplemental Immunization
Activity [SIA], handling in critical Community Based Vaccination
[CBV] and mobile team areas, and covering high-risk mobile residents
to avoid additional spread. Due to the discovery and availability of
vaccinations, polio is currently considered almost eliminated. Positive
effects include continual reviews of communication, observation, and
control mechanisms, enhanced coordination between the Polio Eradication
Initiative [PEI] and the Expanded Program on Immunization [EPI],
and a stronger emphasis on strengthening relationships with other
service workers in high-risk regions. To eradicate polio, politicians,
community mobilizers, government, public health specialists, and
education departments must collaborate to better grasp the issue and
operate more effectively. The high-level political leadership and
promise detailing Pakistan’s response to COVID-19 is the best practical
strategy to achieve PEI’s fundamental goals.