New Polio Case in Zhob Raises Total to Nine in Pakistan This Year

Islamabad: A recent polio outbreak in Zhob district, Balochistan, has resulted in a 1.5-year-old child being paralyzed, marking the ninth case of polio in Pakistan in 2024, with the majority occurring in Balochistan.

According to Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme, the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio at the National Institute of Health identified wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in stool samples from the affected child in Union Council Hassan Zai Urban 2. The child experienced leg weakness on June 28, and tests confirmed the presence of WPV1, with genetic sequencing of the virus still pending.

Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, expressed deep concern over the virus’s resurgence, particularly in Balochistan, where seven of this year’s nine cases have been reported. He emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing polio vaccination campaigns and improving routine immunizations to bolster children’s defenses against the virus.

Ayesha Raza, PM’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication, highlighted the widespread presence of the virus in over 50 districts, underscoring the risk to children, especially those who have not been vaccinated. She reiterated that polio is incurable and prevention through vaccination is crucial.

Muhammad Anwarul Haq, Coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication, noted that the program is actively working to identify and vaccinate children missed in previous campaigns, with six polio campaigns already conducted this year.

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