Pakistan has confirmed its 65th case of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) for 2024, with the latest case reported in Killa Abdullah, Balochistan, on Tuesday. This marks the seventh polio case in the district this year, contributing to a total of 27 cases in Balochistan alone. Other provinces have also seen an increase in cases, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh each reporting 18, while Punjab and Islamabad recorded one case each.
Polio, a debilitating disease that causes paralysis, remains a serious health concern, particularly for children under the age of five. The Pakistan Polio Program has been actively carrying out vaccination drives across the country, administering multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine. Routine immunisation is also available at health facilities through the Expanded Programme on Immunization.
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In response to the rise in cases, health authorities have announced a sub-national polio vaccination campaign in Balochistan starting December 30. The campaign will cover all 36 districts of the province, aiming to vaccinate every child to prevent further spread of the virus. Health officials are urging parents to ensure their children receive the necessary vaccinations to protect them from the disease.
In addition, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has introduced a new policy making it mandatory for individuals to receive polio drops before obtaining birth, death, or marriage certificates. The policy targets areas around Peshawar and village councils, aiming to ensure widespread vaccination. However, the efforts face significant challenges, as polio workers have been subject to threats and attacks. Recently, a polio vaccination team came under attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak district, with one police constable killed and a worker injured.
