Islamabad: Pakistan reported its 18th case of polio for the year 2024, originating from Quetta, as the nation continues to battle the persistent spread of the wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1). This recent case underscores the ongoing vulnerability of children in the country to this preventable disease.
According to Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme, the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health in Islamabad confirmed the presence of WPV1 in a 2-year-old child from Union Council Qadriabad of District Quetta. This incident marks the second case reported from Quetta this year, contributing to the 13 cases recorded from the Balochistan province alone, the highest in any single region of Pakistan.
Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, expressed significant concern regarding the increasing number of cases in Balochistan. She emphasized the critical need for comprehensive vaccination coverage. “It is devastating to see another child affected by a disease that can be completely prevented through vaccination,” Ms. Farooq stated. She further explained the situation as a result of missed vaccination opportunities in parts of Balochistan, allowing the virus to maintain a presence in the region.
Efforts are being intensified to enhance surveillance and expand vaccination outreach, especially in Balochistan, where the virus has shown persistence. “The high number of cases on both sides of the border underscores the risk to children across the country and the importance of vaccination during upcoming polio campaigns,” Ms. Farooq added, acknowledging the proactive engagement of Balochistan’s senior leadership, including the Chief Minister and the Commissioner of Quetta, which has improved access and overall quality of the September polio campaign.
Anwarul Haq, Coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Center for Polio Eradication, also highlighted the importance of reaching every child through vaccination campaigns. “Vaccination campaigns, like the one we implemented last week, are critical in our fight to end polio, and we cannot afford to miss any child,” he stated, emphasizing the goal of leaving no child behind.
The Polio Eradication Programme recently conducted a house-to-house vaccination campaign from September 9 to 13 across 115 high-risk districts, during which approximately 32.5 million children under the age of five were vaccinated.