Polio Cases Rise to 26 in Pakistan as New Infections Confirmed

Polio, a disease that can cause paralysis and even death, has been a significant public health challenge in Pakistan for many years. Despite extensive efforts to eradicate it, the country has seen a troubling rise in polio cases this year. As of now, the total number of reported polio cases has reached 26, with two new infections confirmed recently. This alarming trend highlights the ongoing struggle against a disease that can be easily prevented through vaccination.

The latest cases were reported from Karachi’s East district and Sujawal. A seven-year-old girl in district East and a 12-month-old boy in Tehsil Jati of Sujawal have both been affected by the poliovirus. The confirmation of these cases came from the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health. This news is particularly disheartening, as Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, pointed out that “it is heartbreaking that Pakistani children are still being threatened by a disease that can be easily prevented with the help of an easily available polio vaccine.”

Farooq emphasized the critical nature of the situation, urging parents, community leaders, and teachers to take immediate action. Once a child is paralyzed by polio, the damage is irreversible, but repeated vaccinations can effectively prevent the disease. The Pakistan Polio Programme has developed a strategic plan aimed at curbing the transmission of the virus, with the ambitious goal of halting its spread by mid-2025. This plan, created in collaboration with provincial authorities, focuses on reaching every child in high-risk areas, enhancing the quality of vaccination campaigns, and strengthening community engagement.

In September, a mass vaccination campaign targeted 33 million children under the age of five across 115 districts. Another round of vaccinations is set to begin on October 28, with officials stressing the importance of reaching mobile and migrant populations as well. 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 rise in polio cases serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination and community involvement in public health initiatives. It is crucial for everyone to understand that polio is not just a statistic; it affects real children and families. By working together and ensuring that every child receives the polio vaccine, we can protect future generations from this preventable disease. The fight against polio is far from over, and it requires a collective effort from all sectors of society to ensure that no child is left vulnerable.