Pakistan has reported its fourth polio case this year in Jacobabad, amid an alarming resurgence of the virus in the country. The polio program confirmed the new case on Wednesday, bringing attention to the ongoing struggle to eradicate the disease.
Key Details:
- Resurgence of Wild Poliovirus: The country is dealing with a rise in cases of wild poliovirus type 1, with 64 cases reported so far in 2024. This includes significant cases from provinces such as Balochistan (26 cases), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (18 cases), Sindh (18 cases), and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.
- Polio Vaccination Efforts: Pakistan is continuing its vaccination efforts to combat the spread. On Monday, the country launched its nationwide anti-polio drive to vaccinate 44 million children across 143 districts. The campaign will run until December 22, 2024.
- Challenges in Eradication: Despite substantial progress in the past, Pakistan, along with Afghanistan, remains one of the last polio-endemic countries. Polio eradication efforts have faced numerous hurdles, including militant attacks, misinformation spread by militants and conservative groups, and logistical difficulties.
- Decline and Resurgence: Pakistan had made significant strides in reducing cases, with reported cases dropping dramatically from around 20,000 annually in the 1990s to only six cases in 2023. However, the resurgence of the virus this year highlights the continued vulnerability in some areas, emphasizing the need for sustained vaccination coverage.
Call for Parental Action:
The polio program has urged parents to ensure their children, particularly those under the age of five, receive the oral polio vaccine and complete the routine vaccination schedule to help prevent further cases and protect against paralysis.
The government’s continued efforts to stamp out polio are vital as the country aims to join the ranks of polio-free nations.
