A new regulation in Saudi Arabia mandates that all Pakistani Umrah pilgrims must acquire a polio vaccine before setting foot on Saudi Arabian soil. Despite successful efforts to reduce polio infections over the years, the number of cases in Pakistan has recently increased, prompting this decision.
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has ordered polio vaccine to be administered to Pakistani pilgrims at least four weeks before their trip. A vaccination certificate attesting to a dose given no more than six months before travel is also required. The public and Pakistani institutions are being encouraged to make sure that no one boards a plane without completing this condition by firmly enforcing the rule.
With only one case reported this year, Pakistan has reduced the number of polio cases from 73 last year—one of only two countries where the disease is still endemic. More than 45 million children were vaccinated in a recent nationwide campaign that began in early February. Vaccination is crucial for preventing polio, a disease that causes paralysis and currently has no cure.
As a result of vaccination disinformation, opposition from some groups, and assaults on polio workers, efforts to eradicate the virus have encountered obstacles. Pakistan has overcome these challenges and more over the years, bringing the yearly polio case count down from 20,000 in the 90s to the single digits now.
The significance of global health measures in the fight against infectious illnesses is emphasized by this new immunization strategy, which seeks to safeguard both communities and travelers.
