ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's battle against polio has taken a worrying turn with the confirmation of the 72nd case of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in 2024, following a report from DI Khan on January 15. The recent case, involving a female child with onset symptoms from December 31, marks another setback in the country's polio eradication efforts. DI Khan has already seen 11 cases in 2024.
Just day before, Pakistan had reported the 71st polio case from Jacobabad, Sindh, underscoring the alarming resurgence of the virus across various regions. The rise in polio cases has prompted urgent calls for action, as the nation struggles to maintain the momentum needed for eradication.
The provinces of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh are currently the most affected, accounting for the highest number of cases. Despite ongoing efforts through mass vaccination campaigns and routine immunization, the spread of WPV1 continues, exacerbating the public health crisis.
Alarm Bells for Pakistan:
Polio remains a paralyzing disease, and with 72 cases reported already for 2024, the urgency to immunize children is more pressing than ever. Parents must take immediate action to vaccinate their children under five to avoid further irreversible damage. The Pakistan Polio Program is intensifying its efforts, with the first mass vaccination campaign of 2025 scheduled for February 3–9. If not addressed, this crisis could lead to even greater challenges for future generations.
The recent surge in polio cases highlights a critical failure in achieving universal immunization coverage. Parents, healthcare workers, and government bodies must unite to ensure every child receives the vaccine. The stakes couldn’t be higher—let's act now to prevent a devastating public health disaster.