Polio eradication remains a critical public health goal, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, where Pakistan and Afghanistan are the last bastions of endemic wild poliovirus (WPV) transmission. Since the World Health Assembly's 1988 resolution to eradicate polio by 2000, significant strides have been made under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a collaboration involving the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite the global reduction in WPV cases to just 22 in 2022, Pakistan continues to face challenges in eliminating the virus, primarily due to ongoing transmission in conflict-affected areas. The persistence of WPV in Pakistan is compounded by the lack of healthcare infrastructure and the difficulty in reaching children for vaccination. While the genetic diversity of the virus has narrowed, the need for innovative strategies to enhance immunization coverage and address these barriers remains critical. This research topic seeks to explore these challenges and the progress made, aiming to fill the gaps in understanding and implementation strategies for polio eradication in Pakistan.

This research topic aims to delve into the multifaceted challenges and strategies associated with eradicating polio in Pakistan, focusing on epidemiology, surveillance, and immunization efforts. The primary objectives include examining the current status of polio eradication activities, understanding the epidemiological trends of poliovirus transmission, and evaluating the effectiveness of surveillance systems. Additionally, the research will explore innovative approaches to overcome barriers to vaccination, particularly in conflict-affected regions, and assess the integration of polio eradication efforts with routine immunization services. By addressing these objectives, the research aims to contribute to the global understanding of polio eradication challenges and inform future strategies.

To gather further insights in the context of polio eradication in Pakistan and the Eastern Mediterranean Region, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o History and current status of polio eradication in Pakistan and key regions in the Eastern Mediterranean
o Epidemiology of polio and trends in virus transmission across these areas
o Surveillance for poliovirus via AFP and environmental systems
o Outbreak detection and response for vaccine-derived polioviruses
o Laboratory and genomic analyses of circulating viruses
o Implementation and monitoring of supplementary immunization activities
o Routine immunization within the context of eradication efforts
o Synergy between the Polio Eradication Initiative and Expanded Programme on Immunization
o Integrated service delivery through international and community-based partnerships
o Analytics and modeling of transmission patterns
o Global and regional eradication initiatives with lessons applicable to the Pakistan polio context
o Strategies to overcome vaccine hesitancy and improve acceptance in high-risk areas

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Eradicating Polio in Pakistan and Other Countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Immunization