Polio Resurgence in Pakistan Sparks Concern as Cases Climb

Health authorities in Pakistan have confirmed six new cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), bringing the total number of infected children in the country to 39 this year. The newly reported cases include three in Balochistan, two in Sindh province, and one in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This surge comes at a critical time when Pakistan was close to eradicating the disease from its population of over 240 million.

Polio, a highly infectious disease that can cause irreversible paralysis, primarily affects young children. While it has been largely eradicated globally, Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only countries where it is still endemic. Balochistan has been the worst-hit region in Pakistan this year, with 20 reported cases, followed by Sindh with 12, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with five, and isolated cases in Punjab and Islamabad.

Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that each confirmed case represents many more undetected carriers who may be spreading the virus in their communities.

In response to the rise in infections, Pakistan plans to launch a nationwide polio vaccination campaign on 28 October, aiming to immunize more than 45 million children under the age of five. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also reported 18 polio cases in neighboring Afghanistan, raising concerns about regional transmission.

Prior to this year’s surge, Pakistan was on the brink of eradicating polio after years of successful vaccination efforts, making this resurgence a significant setback. The government and health organizations are calling for renewed focus and community involvement to curb the spread of the virus.