Balochistan reports new polio case amid ongoing vaccination campaign

Latest case in Balochistan raises total number of polio cases this year to 43

A new polio case has emerged in Balochistan, bringing the total number of polio cases reported in Pakistan this year to 43, reported Express News on Wednesday.

The latest case, identified in the Chagai district, marks the first polio case in Balochistan for the year. The National Institute of Health’s laboratory has confirmed the presence of Type One poliovirus in the affected child.

With this new case, the total number of polio cases in Balochistan has reached 22. According to the National Polio Emergency Operations Centre, the child from Chagai has become disabled due to polio.

In total, 12 children in Sindh and 7 children in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have also been reported as polio-affected. Additionally, one case has been reported each from Punjab and Islamabad, highlighting the ongoing challenges in eradicating polio in the country.

Authorities continue to emphasise the importance of vaccination campaigns to prevent further outbreaks and protect vulnerable children.

In response to the alarming rise in polio cases, the government started a nationwide vaccination campaign from October 28 to November 3.

The Pakistan Polio Programme's vaccination drive seeks to curb the resurgence of wild poliovirus and safeguard millions from the debilitating effects of polio.

The campaign is targeting children under five, providing polio vaccines alongside Vitamin A supplements to enhance immunity. Health officials are calling on parents and caregivers nationwide to actively participate to ensure that every eligible child receives the vaccine.