Islamabad: The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed the detection of the 72nd wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) case of 2024 in Pakistan. The case was identified in a female child from DI Khan, with the onset of symptoms occurring on December 31, 2024.
According to a statement by Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme, DI Khan has now reported 11 polio cases in 2024. The country has been grappling with a resurgence of WPV1, with 72 cases reported last year. The breakdown of cases includes 27 from Balochistan, 22 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 21 from Sindh, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.
Polio remains a disease without a cure, and vaccination is essential to protect children under the age of five. The Pakistan Polio Program conducts multiple vaccination drives annually, ensuring that the vaccine reaches children at their homes. Additionally, the Expanded Program on Immunization offers vaccines against 12 childhood diseases at no cost at health facilities.
The first nationwide polio vaccination campaign of the year is scheduled from February 3 to 9, 2025. Authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination to safeguard children against polio.
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