On Friday, Islamabad reported its first polio case in 16 years, escalating Pakistan’s count to 17 this year as efforts to eradicate the virus continue.
Polio primarily targets children under five, especially those malnourished or under-vaccinated. The virus attacks the nervous system, potentially causing paralysis or death. However, vaccination remains the most effective prevention method.
Pakistan, along with Afghanistan, is one of the last two polio-endemic countries. Despite significant reductions in cases, the virus persists.
The 17th case of 2024 involved a child from Islamabad’s Union Council Rural 4, paralyzed by the type 1 poliovirus (WPV1), as confirmed by the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio.
Since June, environmental samples from Islamabad and the adjacent Rawalpindi district have tested positive for WPV1, indicating ongoing transmission risks.
Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, expressed deep concern over the new case. She highlighted the government’s proactive measures, including upcoming intensive polio campaigns.
She announced, “Starting September 9, we will vaccinate over 33 million children in 115 districts. ” The campaign aims to reach children in areas where the virus is detected and the risk of spread remains high.
Muhammad Anwarul Haq, National Emergency Operations Centre Coordinator for Polio Eradication, emphasized the upcoming targeted vaccination drive. “We are intensifying our efforts to vaccinate every child, including those in Islamabad,” he said.
He urged parents and caregivers to cooperate with vaccinators to ensure no child is vulnerable to the virus.
This year, before this case, polio affected 12 children in Balochistan, three in Sindh, and one in Punjab.
