The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has confirmed the 18th case of poliovirus in Pakistan this year, marking the second from Quetta and the 13th from Balochistan. The latest victim is a two-year-old boy from the provincial capital who has been crippled by the wild poliovirus type 1.
Officials from the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) in Islamabad have acknowledged the case, shedding light on the ongoing challenges in the country’s national immunisation drive. Balochistan currently leads the nation in polio cases, posing a significant threat to eradication efforts.
Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication, expressed deep concern over the increasing cases, attributing the resurgence to disruptions in the vaccination campaign in parts of Balochistan. She emphasized the importance of delivering multiple doses of the polio vaccine to all children under five years old and called on parents to ensure their children receive the vital immunization.
“Measures are being taken to protect children from infectious diseases like polio,” Farooq said, highlighting the government’s commitment to doubling efforts against the virus’ spread.
Despite these efforts, the virus remains a serious threat, with environmental samples detecting poliovirus in 66 districts across the country, even in areas where no clinical cases have been reported.
The resurgence of polio in Balochistan is a significant setback in Pakistan’s fight against the disease. Health officials are now focused on strengthening vaccination campaigns and raising public awareness to ensure that every child is protected from this preventable but crippling illness.
The fight to fully eradicate polio continues, with intensified efforts needed to safeguard future generations from the virus’ debilitating effects.
