4 more polio cases reported in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: According to the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed new cases of wild poliovirus type-1 (WPV1) in Sindh, involving a girl from Sanghar district and a boy from Mirpur Khas district.
According to officials, a 30-month-old girl in Lakki Marwat, an 18-month-old girl in Pishin, a 9-month-old boy in Chaman, and a 5-year-old boy in Nushki have all been affected.
These newly confirmed cases mark the first instances of polio in Mirpur Khas and Sanghar this year. Notably, environmental samples from Mirpur Khas have tested positive for WPV1 since April, suggesting ongoing virus transmission in the region. Genetic sequencing of the cases is currently underway.
The rising number of polio cases highlights the critical importance of vaccination. The Pakistan Polio Programme is responding with a nationwide vaccination campaign set to launch on October 28, aiming to immunize over 45 million children under the age of five against paralytic polio.
"We urge parents to ensure their doors are open to vaccinators during this campaign," said [Insert Official's Name, Title]. "By providing two drops of the oral polio vaccine, you can help protect your children from the devastating effects of this disease."
The program emphasizes that vaccination is not just an individual safeguard, but a collective effort to eradicate polio and protect future generations.