Polio Crisis: Three Fatalities Reported This Year in Karachi and Baluchistan

Karachi, Pakistan – In a distressing development, three children have succumbed to polio in Pakistan this year, raising urgent concerns about the ongoing health crisis. The fatalities include one child from Karachi and two from Balochistan, highlighting the need for increased vaccination efforts.

According to the Emergency Operation Center (EOC), the child from Karachi lived in Abdullah Bin Qasim Town, District Malir. The two deceased children from Balochistan were residents of Qila Saifullah and Quetta. This year, the total number of polio-affected children across the country has reached 39, with Sindh reporting 12 cases, including four in Karachi from the Districts of Sharqi and Kemari.

Balochistan has been severely impacted, with 20 children affected by the virus, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has recorded five cases. Additionally, one child from Punjab and Islamabad has also tested positive for polio.

In light of these alarming statistics, the EOC has announced a nationwide anti-polio campaign scheduled to launch on October 28. Health officials are urging parents to ensure their children receive the necessary vaccinations to prevent further tragedies and to help eradicate polio in the country.

Health authorities emphasize the importance of community awareness and participation in the vaccination campaigns, stressing that polio is a preventable disease that poses a significant risk to children.