On Thursday, the National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) reported the 18th case of poliovirus in the country for this year, with the latest case emerging from Quetta.
This case marks the second instance in Quetta and the 13th in Balochistan, which has seen the highest number of poliovirus cases among all provinces.
The affected individual is a two-year-old boy in the provincial capital who has been paralyzed by wild poliovirus type 1. Officials from the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) in Islamabad confirmed the case and emphasized the persistent challenges faced by the national immunization campaign, as reported by The News.
Expressing concern over the rising number of polio cases, Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq said disruption in the anti-poliovirus campaign in some of Balochistan’s neighbourhoods paved the way for the virus’ spread.
Additionally, the PM’s focal person said her department was doubling down efforts to keep the poliovirus’ spread. It was imperative to deliver multiple doses of polio vaccines to every child, she added.
“Measures are being taken to protect children from infectious diseases like polio,” she maintained, appealing the parents to ensure vaccination of children up to five years.
So far, environmental samples have detected the presence of poliovirus in 66 districts across Pakistan, underscoring the persistent threat of the virus even in areas where no clinical cases have been reported.
The resurgence of polio in Balochistan and other regions presents a significant setback for the country’s efforts to eradicate the disease, as officials work to bolster vaccination campaigns and raise public awareness about the importance of immunisation.
Nevertheless, health officials continue to stress the importance of reaching every child with the life-saving polio vaccine to prevent the virus from further crippling children.
Polio, a preventable disease, continues to threaten children in vulnerable areas like Balochistan, causing paralysis until fully eradicated, prompting PEI officials to intensify vaccination efforts to curb the virus and safeguard future generations.
Source: Geo News
