The polio count in Pakistan has escalated to 46 this year, with a new case emerging from Qila Saifullah district in Balochistan. The affected child, who is only months old, is the 23rd case in Balochistan for the year.
This incident marks the second report of polio from Qila Saifullah in 2024. Environmental samples from 76 districts have tested positive for the virus, indicating a broad spread.
Pakistan, along with Afghanistan, remains one of the last two countries where polio is still endemic. Despite a robust eradication program initiated in 1994, which has conducted numerous vaccination drives, the nation almost eradicated the disease with only six cases in 2023. Yet, this year, there has been a concerning rise in incidents.
According to experts, misinformation about the vaccine poses a major challenge to eradication efforts. This year, the southwestern province of Balochistan has been particularly affected, accounting for 23 of the country’s 41 cases. Other regions have also reported cases: Sindh with 12, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 9, and Punjab and Islamabad with one each.
Polio is a highly infectious disease primarily affecting children under five, especially those who are malnourished, have weakened immunity, or are under-vaccinated. The virus can invade the nervous system, leading to paralysis or death. While incurable, vaccination remains the most effective defense against polio.
Pakistan’s drive to eliminate polio continues to face hurdles, especially in regions plagued by insecurity, widespread misinformation, and vaccination resistance.
