Four additional polio cases have been confirmed in Pakistan, bringing the total number of cases for 2024 to 63, despite ongoing nationwide campaigns to eliminate the disease. This news, released by government officials on Friday, highlights the ongoing challenges faced in eradicating polio.
Polio Remains Endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan
Pakistan, along with Afghanistan, remains one of the last two countries in the world where polio is still endemic. The disease continues to primarily affect children under five, often resulting in lifelong paralysis. Despite global eradication efforts, obstacles such as security concerns, vaccine hesitancy, and misinformation persist, hindering progress.
New Polio Cases Found in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh
The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) confirmed that two new cases were detected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), while the other two cases were in Sindh. The cases were reported from DI Khan, Tank, Jacobabad, and Sukkur. In total, 59 cases had been reported before these new additions, with 26 in Balochistan, 16 in KP, 15 in Sindh, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.
Impact of Seasonality on Polio Virus
The virus spreads more actively during the warmer months, typically between May and September. However, it becomes less active during the colder season, which helps in reducing its transmission.
Mass Vaccination Campaign to Combat Polio
In response to the rising number of cases, the Pakistan Polio Programme continues its efforts by organizing multiple mass vaccination campaigns annually. The government has urged parents to ensure that all children under five are vaccinated to protect them from the disease. A large-scale vaccination drive will run from December 16 to December 22, where vaccinators will go door-to-door to immunize over 44 million children in 143 districts across the country.
Role of Parents in Polio Eradication
The NEOC has stressed the importance of parents’ cooperation in the fight against the virus. Families must support vaccinators and bring their children forward for vaccination to ensure their safety and well-being.
For more updates visit Pakistan Updates.
