The first polio NIDs in the low transmission season will start on September 20^th – 26^th 2021. More than 40 million children under the age of five years will be vaccinated against polio.

September is also the start of the low transmission season, which will continue until the end of May 2022. Pakistan has made significant strides this year, and the momentum of progress must continue to make 2021 the last year reported for a WPV1 case. The one case confirmed this year in January is from Kila Abdullah in Balochistan.

Rotarians can create advocacy to ensure every child is vaccinated against vaccine preventable diseases at birth. It is therefore imperative that Routine Immunization is encouraged in communities, villages, towns, districts and provinces. All parents must vaccinate their children when a child is born. With Covid 19, parents and polio vaccinators must be equally careful to protect themselves against the coronavirus. We must follow SOPs and social distancing to protect ourselves and our families.   

The polio virus can be elusive and preys on the vulnerable (children with low immunity). All children in Pakistan have the right to a healthy life ahead, so that they grow to their full potential successfully.

Rotarians have worked closely with polio partners, to eradicate this disease in many countries around the world. Having come so far, we cannot afford to backslide. There is no room for complacency and we must reach our goal – to end polio now and forever.

Fond regards

Aziz Memon
Trustee, The Rotary Foundation (2020-2024)
Member, International PolioPlus Committee
National Chair, Pakistan PolioPlus Committee