International experts raised concerns that number of cases could escalate to between 55 and 65 by the end of the year, a troubling forecast that signals setbacks in the country’s long-standing efforts to eradicate virus
KARACHI: Pakistan’s fight against polio has hit a concerning milestone, with four new cases reported, bringing the total number of infections this year to 32. The new cases, identified in Jacobabad, Karachi’s Malir district, and Dera Ismail Khan, underscore the persistent challenges in combating the virus, even as the country strives to eliminate it through aggressive vaccination campaigns.
In Jacobabad’s Thul area, a 32-month-old girl and an 18-month-old boy were diagnosed with polio, adding to the growing caseload in Sindh. Meanwhile, in Karachi’s Bin Qasim tehsil, a 72-month-old boy tested positive for the virus, marking another case in one of the country’s largest urban centers. In Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a 22-month-old boy also fell victim to the disease, reflecting the virus’s continued spread across provinces.
Health officials are sounding the alarm over a potential surge in cases, particularly with the onset of October, a period often associated with an uptick in polio infections. International experts have raised concerns that the total number of cases could escalate to between 55 and 65 by the end of the year, a troubling forecast that signals setbacks in the country’s long-standing efforts to eradicate the virus.
Despite years of vaccination drives supported by global health organizations, Pakistan remains one of only two countries in the world where polio is still endemic, the other being Afghanistan. The fresh spike in cases has renewed scrutiny of the effectiveness of Pakistan’s polio eradication strategies, with questions emerging about gaps in vaccine coverage, particularly in vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities.
The resurgence of polio serves as a stark reminder of the difficulties faced by public health authorities, who must grapple with logistical challenges, vaccine hesitancy, and misinformation campaigns that undermine immunization efforts. The latest figures highlight the urgent need for intensified efforts, including improved surveillance, broader outreach, and enhanced coordination between provincial and federal health bodies.
As Pakistan braces for what could be a critical period in its fight against the virus, the path forward appears fraught with obstacles. Yet, the stakes remain high: the health and future of millions of children depend on the success of these initiatives. Without swift and decisive action, the virus could reclaim ground that had once seemed within reach of elimination.
