Pakistan has reported another case of polio, bringing the total number of affected children to 46 this year.
The most recent case was confirmed in the Qila Saifullah district of Balochistan, where a months-old child has been diagnosed with the virus. This marks the second polio case reported in Qila Saifullah in 2024 and the 23rd case in Balochistan this year.
Environmental samples from 76 districts across the country have tested positive for the virus, highlighting its ongoing spread. Pakistan remains one of only two countries globally, alongside Afghanistan, where polio is still endemic.
Despite the country’s efforts since the launch of its polio eradication program in 1994, which included frequent vaccination campaigns, misinformation about the vaccine poses a significant barrier to eradication.
This year has seen a resurgence, with 41 cases reported nationwide, primarily in Balochistan, which accounts for 23 cases. Sindh has reported 12 cases, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has nine, and Punjab and Islamabad each have one case.
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Polio is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects children under five, particularly those who are malnourished or under-vaccinated. It invades the nervous system, potentially causing paralysis or death. While there is no cure for polio, vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure.
The ongoing challenges to Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts include insecurity, misinformation, and parental refusals, which continue to hinder vaccination campaigns across the country.
