Is Climate Change Undermining Polio Eradication Efforts in Sindh, Pakistan? A Comprehensive Evidence from 2015–2025
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In Sindh, Karachi and Hyderabad, have remained persistent reservoirs for Wild Poliovirus Type 1 (WPV1). Climate change acts as a significant force multiplier for WPV1 transmission. Traditional eradication strategies mainly focus on vaccine hesitancy and operational gaps. However, the role of climate change remains underexplored. This review examines the impact of climatic variables on polio eradication efforts in Sindh from 2015 to 2025. A narrative review with PRISMA guidelines, have covered heatwaves, flooding, precipitation changes, vaccination disruptions, and poliovirus risks. Data came from PubMed, The Lancet, WHO surveillance reports, and Pakistan Meteorological Department datasets. The 2022 Pakistan floods damaged 888 health facilities, disrupting polio vaccination campaigns and contributing to a surge in polio cases from 1 in 2021 to 20 in 2022. Extreme weather events showed a strong temporal association with transmission spikes, with SIAs reduced by 34% in Northern Sindh post-floods. Climate-induced disruptions, including compromised cold-chain logistics and water/sanitation infrastructure damage, exacerbated poliovirus transmission and hindered eradication efforts. Eradication strategies must shift from static models to climate-resilient systems. Failure to integrate climatological data into public health planning threatens the global eradication goal.
