Nationwide, the statistics paint a concerning picture: 12 children in Sindh and seven in KP have also been reported as affected by polio, while one case each has been confirmed in Punjab and Islamabad
By Anwar Nawab
QUETTA: A new polio case has been reported in Balochistan, pushing the national total for 2024 to 43 confirmed cases, as reported by Metro Morning on Wednesday. This latest case, detected in the Chagai district, signifies the first instance of polio in Balochistan this year. The National Institute of Health’s laboratory has confirmed that the affected child is carrying the Type One poliovirus, marking a significant setback in the country’s ongoing battle against this debilitating disease.
With the addition of this recent case, the total number of polio cases in Balochistan has now risen to 22. Tragically, the child from Chagai has become disabled as a result of the virus. Nationwide, the statistics paint a concerning picture: 12 children in Sindh and seven in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have also been reported as affected by polio, while one case each has been confirmed in Punjab and Islamabad. These figures underscore the persistent challenges that health authorities face in eradicating polio in the country, despite ongoing vaccination efforts.
In response to this alarming rise in cases, the Pakistani government has initiated a nationwide vaccination campaign running from October 28 to November 3. The Pakistan Polio Programme has launched this vaccination drive with the goal of curtailing the resurgence of the wild poliovirus and safeguarding millions of children from its debilitating effects. The campaign specifically targets children under the age of five, administering polio vaccines in conjunction with Vitamin A supplements to bolster overall immunity.
Health officials are urging parents and caregivers across the nation to actively participate in this crucial campaign to ensure that every eligible child receives the vaccine. The message is clear: collective action is essential to protect vulnerable children and prevent further outbreaks of this preventable disease. As Pakistan grapples with the renewed threat of polio, the urgency of comprehensive vaccination efforts remains paramount in the bid to secure a healthier future for the nation’s children.
