Islamabad: The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed the country’s 71st case of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) for the year 2024. The case was identified in a male child from Jacobabad, with the onset occurring on December 27, 2024.

According to a statement by Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme, Jacobabad has now reported a total of five polio cases in the past year. The nation has faced a significant resurgence of WPV1, with Balochistan reporting 27 cases, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh each confirming 21 cases, and Punjab and Islamabad each reporting one case.

Polio remains a paralyzing disease with no cure, making vaccination critical. The oral polio vaccine and routine immunization are emphasized to ensure high immunity among children under five years of age.

The Pakistan Polio Program conducts several mass vaccination drives annually, offering vaccines directly to households. Additionally, the Expanded Program on Immunization provides free vaccines against 12 childhood diseases at health facilities.

A nationwide polio vaccination campaign is scheduled from February 3 to 9, 2025. Health officials urge parents to ensure that all children under five receive the vaccine to maintain protection against the disease.