ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported two new cases of the polio virus, bringing the total for the year to 26. This sharp rise in cases occurs despite rigorous efforts by authorities to eradicate the crippling disease.
Polio is a highly infectious disease that primarily affects children under the age of five. Children who are malnourished or under-vaccinated are particularly vulnerable. The virus invades the nervous system, leading to paralysis or even death. Currently, there is no cure for polio; however, vaccination remains the most effective way to protect children from this disease.
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The resurgence of polio in Pakistan presents a significant setback for ongoing eradication efforts. Officials are now focusing on strengthening vaccination campaigns and raising public awareness about the importance of immunization. Pakistan, along with Afghanistan, is one of the last two polio-endemic countries in the world. Fortunately, the number of cases has significantly dropped over the years.
First Polio Cases in Karachi’s East and Sujawal Districts
The latest cases were reported from Karachi’s East district and Sujawal. These cases were confirmed by the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health. Importantly, these mark the first polio cases of the year in both districts.
In East district, a seven-year-old girl has been paralyzed by the poliovirus. Similarly, a 12-month-old boy in Tehsil Jati of Sujawal district also contracted the virus.
“It is heartbreaking that Pakistani children are still being threatened by a disease that can be easily prevented with an accessible polio vaccine,” stated Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication. She highlighted that once a child is paralyzed by polio, the damage is irreversible, but repeated vaccinations can effectively prevent it.
Furthermore, Farooq emphasized the urgency of the situation. She called on parents, community leaders, and teachers to act swiftly to ensure children receive the necessary vaccinations.
The Pakistan Polio Programme has developed a strategic plan to curb virus transmission. The goal is to halt its spread by mid-2025. This plan, created in consultation with provincial authorities, focuses on reaching every child in high-risk areas. It also aims to improve the quality of vaccination campaigns and strengthen community engagement.
In September, a recent mass vaccination campaign targeted 33 million children under five across 115 districts. Another round is scheduled to begin on October 28, with officials stressing the need to reach mobile and migrant populations.
Of the 26 polio cases reported this year, 15 are from Balochistan, seven from Sindh, two from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and one each from Punjab and Islamabad. The government’s response to these new cases is critical as Pakistan continues its fight against polio.
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