Pakistan’s Polio Cases Rise to 55 Amid Renewed Calls for Vaccination Drive

Three New Cases Highlight Urgent Need for Action

Pakistan’s polio toll has climbed to 55 after three new cases were confirmed, health officials revealed on Sunday.

Two cases emerged in Balochistan—one each in Zhob and Jaffarabad districts—while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) reported one new infection.

This year, Balochistan has recorded the highest number of poliovirus cases at 26, followed by KP with 14, Sindh with 13, and one case each in Punjab and Islamabad.

Pakistan remains one of only two countries globally where the wild poliovirus is still active, raising alarm among health authorities.

Challenges in Eradication Efforts

The persistence of the virus is attributed to security challenges, misinformation about vaccines, and community resistance.

These obstacles have hampered immunisation campaigns, leaving many children unprotected.

Polio, a highly contagious viral disease, primarily affects children under five, particularly those with weakened immunity or insufficient vaccination.

Health experts stress that consistent immunisation is vital to controlling the spread of this preventable disease, which continues to pose a major public health challenge in the country.

Polio Oversight Board Calls for Intensified Immunisation

In response to the rising cases, the Polio Oversight Board (POB) has urged stronger routine immunisation efforts, particularly in high-risk regions like Balochistan and southern KP.

During a visit from November 20 to 22, a POB delegation led by Dr. Chris Elias reviewed Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts.

Key members included representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Rotary International, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Renewed Strategies to Close Immunity Gaps

The delegation lauded Pakistan’s transparent forensic analysis of the outbreak, which identified significant immunity gaps.

Officials from the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) presented their National Emergency Action Plan (NEAP) 2024-25 and a focused “2-4-6” strategy to address these gaps in vulnerable areas.

Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, emphasised the government’s commitment to overcoming the virus.

“We are addressing the resurgence on a war footing, tailoring strategies to reach missed children, combat vaccine hesitancy, and deliver integrated health services to marginalised communities,” Farooq stated.

Cross-Border Cooperation with Afghanistan

Acknowledging the virus’s cross-border nature, the POB stressed the importance of synchronised vaccination campaigns with Afghanistan.

Virtual discussions with provincial emergency operations centres also focused on refining localised strategies to counter the outbreak effectively.

A Critical Moment for Pakistan

As polio remains a formidable challenge, health authorities and global partners are working to eliminate the disease.

To eradicate this debilitating disease, we must overcome persistent barriers, strengthen immunization campaigns, and protect every child from vulnerability.