18th Polio Case of 2024 Reported from Quetta

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported its 18th polio case of the year from Quetta, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) to children in the country. The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health in Islamabad confirmed the detection of WPV1 in a 2-year-old child from Union Council Qadriabad in District Quetta.
This marks the second case from Quetta this year and the 13th from Balochistan province, which has the highest number of cases in the nation. Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, expressed grave concern over the rise in cases from Balochistan and emphasized the importance of administering multiple doses of the protective polio vaccine to every child.
“It is devastating to see another child affected by a disease that can be completely prevented through vaccination. This new case from Quetta highlights the urgent need to increase population immunity to curb the spread of the virus,” she stated. She noted that the current situation reflects the consequences of missed vaccination opportunities in parts of Balochistan that have allowed the virus to persist.
Farooq announced intensified efforts to enhance surveillance and vaccination outreach, particularly in Balochistan, where cases remain persistent. She also acknowledged the high-level engagement from Balochistan's senior leadership, including the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and Commissioner of Quetta, which has led to improvements in access and the quality of the September polio campaign.
Anwarul Haq, Coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Center for Polio Eradication, emphasized the need to reach every child in the country. “Vaccination campaigns, such as the one we implemented last week, are crucial in our fight to end polio. We cannot afford to miss any child,” he said. “Our goal is clear: to leave no child behind. Every household must be reached, and every child vaccinated.” He appealed to parents, community leaders, and influencers to unite in this national mission.
Recently, the Polio Eradication Programme conducted a house-to-house vaccination campaign from September 9 to 13 across 115 high-risk districts, during which 32.5 million children under the age of five were vaccinated.