Islamabad: A new case of polio has been confirmed in the Chakwal district of Punjab, marking the first occurrence in the region in nearly ten years and raising concerns over the resurgence of the virus in areas previously believed to be free of it. This case in Chakwal contributes to a national total of twelve cases reported this year.

According to Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme, the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health in Islamabad detected wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in a child from Miani UC who developed paralysis on July 16. This incident marks a significant setback as it is the first polio case reported from Punjab this year after a four-year hiatus in the province.

Dr. Malik Mukhtar Bharat, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, stressed the preventable nature of the disease and urged parents to ensure their children are fully vaccinated. Meanwhile, Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication, expressed concern over the virus’s penetration into Punjab and disclosed that an intensive investigation is underway to assess the immunity levels of children in Chakwal and nearby districts.

The Polio Programme has responded by developing a comprehensive strategy to halt the virus’s spread, crafted in collaboration with provincial and local stakeholders. Captain (R) Anwarul Haq, Coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Center for Polio Eradication, highlighted the widespread nature of the virus, now detected in 58 districts nationwide, and reiterated the commitment to immunizing all children against polio.

Further complicating efforts, WPV1 has been detected in environmental samples from Karachi East, Karachi Korangi, Islamabad, and Multan, indicating persistent viral presence in these areas.