Pakistan confirms 72nd polio case of 2024 from KP’s Di Khan

• The latest case involves a girl from Di Khan of KP.
• This confirmation marks Di Khan’s 11th case.
• Pakistan reported the case from Jacobabad yesterday.

In a development, Pakistan on Wednesday confirmed one more case of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) for 2024, taking the country’s total to 72.

According to health officials, the latest case involves a girl from Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Samples from the affected girl were taken on December 31, 2024.

This confirmation marks Di Khan’s 11th reported case of polio, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the fight against the disease despite repeated campaign drives.

A day earlier, the regional polio eradication reference laboratory at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) confirmed the 71st case in Jacobabad, Sindh.

The National Tally for WPV1 cases in 2024 now stands at 72, with Balochistan reporting the highest number at 27 cases, followed by 21 from Sindh, 22 from KP and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.

Health officials stressed that polio remains a crippling disease with no known cure, underscoring the critical need for vaccination.

“Multiple doses of oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine immunization schedule for children under five are essential to build immunity against this devastating virus,” a senior health official said.

To address the resurgence, Pakistan’s Civilization Eradication Program, in collaboration with the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), continues to conduct national mass vaccination campaigns.

EPI also provides free immunization services against 12 childhood diseases free of charge at health facilities across the country.

The first national polio vaccination campaign is scheduled from February 3 to February 9, 2025.

Health authorities have called on parents to ensure that all children under five receive the vaccine during the campaign.

Efforts to eradicate polio in Pakistan have faced multiple challenges, including vaccine hesitancy and logistical obstacles in remote areas. However, health officials remain committed to eradicating the virus, reporting significant progress in reducing cases over the years.

Despite the setbacks, experts stress that continued public cooperation is essential to achieving polio-free status.

The upcoming national vaccination drive will mobilize thousands of health workers to deliver vaccines to children at their doorsteps and health centres, ensuring that no child is left behind in the fight against polio.

Efforts are coordinated with community leaders and international health agencies to strengthen public awareness and confidence in vaccination efforts.

Officials remain hopeful that a steady, concerted effort will turn the tide against the resurgence and ultimately lead to Pakistan’s success in eradicating the virus.