KARACHI: Why is the polio challenge getting worse despite so many efforts being made by the government in this regard? Is vaccination enough to get rid of this plague? It seems that enough is not being done, and also that what is being done is being done in a very mediocre way. Polio vaccines administered orally contain live, attenuated viruses and have special requirements, i.e., a cooling container for storage and shade from sunlight. Also, most importantly, one should consider that the polio virus spreads from food or water contaminated with the waste matter of the victim. This means that the sewage and sanitary system plays a huge role in the spread of the virus. All over the country, we see gaping, open sewers, exposing people to a myriad of diseases and bugs. Is there any work in progress to improve the poor sanitary system in Pakistan? Has any awareness programme about cleanliness, complete in the light of religious teachings, ever been planned? It has also been proved that flies can be a source of contamination and the spread of the polio virus. Is anything being done to get rid of the common fly? How much does the government spend on fumigation across the country? One wonders if there is even a special budget in this regard, or if the health ministry has drafted any kind of fumigation schedule for different provinces?
Individuals affected with these viruses should follow strict hygienic rules. As for little children who are not potty-trained, hygienic steps should be followed by the parents to prevent the spread of the disease in the same house by making sure that the child is washing his/her hands and that diapers are being disposed of in the correct manner. I advise the government to also focus on new policies related to hygiene and ensure that proper storage conditions are present for vaccines. It also needs to start an effective campaign about awareness among people to eliminate this crippling disease once and for all.
Ariba Habib
Published in The Express Tribune, January 19th, 2015.
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