The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has confirmed Pakistan’s 18th polio case of the year, detected in Quetta. This case, involving wild poliovirus type 1, has resulted in paralysis for a two-year-old boy. It is the second reported poliovirus case from Quetta this year and the 13th from Balochistan, making it the province with the highest number of cases in 2024.
Officials from the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) in Islamabad have highlighted the persistent challenges facing the national immunization drive. The resurgence of polio in Balochistan is a significant concern, with disruptions in the anti-poliovirus campaign in certain neighborhoods contributing to the spread of the virus.
Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication, expressed alarm over the rising number of cases and stressed the importance of uninterrupted vaccination efforts. She noted that the recent disruptions in Balochistan have allowed the virus to spread, emphasizing the need for consistent and comprehensive vaccination coverage.
Farooq appealed to parents to ensure that their children receive multiple doses of the polio vaccine. She stressed that the ongoing measures are crucial to protect children from polio and other infectious diseases. The NEOC’s data shows that environmental samples have detected the presence of the poliovirus in 66 districts across Pakistan, even in areas where no clinical cases have been reported.
The resurgence of polio in Balochistan, alongside other regions, represents a significant setback in the country’s efforts to eradicate the disease. Despite the challenges, health officials remain committed to bolstering vaccination campaigns and increasing public awareness about the critical importance of immunization.
Polio, a preventable disease, continues to pose a threat to children in vulnerable areas such as Balochistan. The paralysis caused by the disease underscores the urgent need for comprehensive vaccination efforts to prevent further cases and ensure the safety of future generations. The PEI officials are intensifying their efforts to curb the spread of the virus and safeguard children across the country.
