Balochistan is seeing a big increase in polio cases, which is worrying health officials and the public. This year, Balochistan has reported 21 out of Pakistan’s 41 polio cases, making it the most affected region in the country.
The latest case involves a 42-month-old girl from Loralai District who became paralyzed on October 8. Tests confirmed she had wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1). This is the first confirmed polio case in Loralai, but officials think the virus has been in the area for months because four sewage samples from the district have tested positive since June.
The Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) is very concerned about the spread of WPV1 in Pakistan. A senior PEI official said the virus is circulating in many areas and cases are emerging undetected, which is alarming. The official urged parents to vaccinate their children to prevent further spread.
In response to the rising number of cases, the government will start a nationwide anti-polio vaccine campaign on October 28. The campaign aims to vaccinate over 45 million children under the age of five. Health officials stress the importance of full participation in the campaign because incomplete vaccination coverage leaves communities vulnerable to the continued spread and resurgence of polio.
The increase in polio cases in Pakistan is troubling, especially since the number of cases had significantly declined in recent years. In 2023, Pakistan reported only six cases, but this year the number has sharply risen. The increase is partly due to challenges in vaccination coverage, including vaccine refusals, high population movement, and difficulties in reaching remote areas.
The rise in polio cases in Balochistan highlights the urgent need for comprehensive vaccination efforts and public awareness to combat the virus and protect children’s health.
