The data reveals a troubling trend across the country, with rising cases reported in various provinces: 12 in Sindh, 9 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and one each in Punjab and Islamabad
By our correspondent
QUETTA: Pakistan is facing a critical public health challenge as it confirmed its 46th case of wild poliovirus (WPV1) in 2024, with the latest victim being a male child from the Killa Saifullah district in Balochistan. This case, identified on November 4, highlights the ongoing struggle against polio, particularly in regions where vaccination efforts have been disrupted. Balochistan has emerged as the most affected province, accounting for 23 of the total reported cases this year.
The situation has been compounded by previous positive environmental samples from the area, indicating sustained virus circulation. The data reveals a troubling trend across the country, with rising cases reported in various provinces: 12 in Sindh, 9 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and one each in Punjab and Islamabad. This widespread distribution across 76 districts signals a serious threat to children’s health, particularly those under five, who are the most vulnerable to the devastating effects of polio, which can lead to lifelong paralysis.
Currently, genetic sequencing of the latest case is being conducted to understand the virus’s characteristics better. Efforts to combat polio in Balochistan have faced significant hurdles this year, including protests and security issues that have disrupted vaccination campaigns. These challenges underscore the dire consequences of missed vaccinations, which can lead to increased transmission of the virus. Health experts stress the importance of administering multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine (OPV) to every child under five, urging parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated.
In a recent push against polio, Punjab successfully concluded its third and final national immunization drive of the year on November 3, aiming to vaccinate millions of children. Despite some districts being excluded from the initial campaign, the vaccination drive was extended in major urban areas such as Lahore and Faisalabad to achieve comprehensive coverage. Preliminary results indicate that over 23 million children were vaccinated across Punjab, with Lahore alone accounting for over 2.2 million vaccinated children.
