New Polio Case Reported in Pakistan Increases National Tally to 36

Islamabad — October 19, 2024
A new case of polio has been confirmed in Laki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bringing the national tally to 36 for the year. A 30-month-old girl from Union Council Gabbar Bagh has been paralyzed by the polio virus, marking the fifth case in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this year.

With the addition of this new case, Pakistan’s national tally of polio infections has now reached 36 for 2024. The Polio Emergency Operation Center has reported that Balochistan is also facing challenges, with four confirmed cases in areas like Nushkai, Chaman, and Pishin.

The ongoing presence of polio in high-risk areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan underscores the continued threat posed by the virus, especially in remote and conflict-affected regions.

Pakistan remains one of the few countries where polio is still endemic, with efforts to eradicate the disease continuing despite various challenges. Security concerns, logistical barriers, and vaccine hesitancy have hindered complete elimination of the virus in certain areas.

Health experts emphasize the need for coordinated efforts, as well as strengthened vaccination programs, to prevent further outbreaks and protect children from the life-altering effects of polio.