Fresh Polio Vaccination Drive Begins in Balochistan

Balochistan has launched a week-long polio vaccination campaign today, aiming to immunize over 2.6 million children under the age of five.

The province has recorded the highest number of polio cases in 2024, with 27 children diagnosed with the debilitating disease.

The Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) reported that 11,600 health workers will participate in this critical drive.

In addition to deploying vaccination teams, stringent security measures have been put in place to ensure their safety.

Balochistan EOC Coordinator Inamul-Haq has called on parents, the media, and citizens to actively support the campaign, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in eradicating polio.

Pakistan remains one of only two polio-endemic countries globally, alongside Afghanistan.

Despite significant progress in reducing polio cases in recent years, 2024 has seen a resurgence, with 67 cases reported nationwide.

These include 27 in Balochistan, 19 each in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh, and one case each in Islamabad and Punjab.

The Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme highlights that polio is a “paralyzing” disease with “no cure.” Vaccination is the only way to build immunity and protect children from this life-altering illness.

The resurgence of polio presents a significant challenge, particularly in areas where insecurity, misinformation, and vaccine refusals persist.

Alarmingly, over 60% of the children affected in 2024 had not received routine immunizations.

To address this gap, health authorities have formed a high-level committee to enhance coordination between the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) and the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).

Earlier this month, the government conducted a nationwide vaccination campaign, marking the final effort of the year to combat the disease.

However, the success of these initiatives depends on overcoming persistent barriers and ensuring every child is vaccinated.

With renewed determination, the government and health organizations aim to eliminate polio and safeguard the future of Pakistan’s children.