Pakistan's polio cases hit half-century mark in 2024

ISLAMABAD: The number of poliovirus cases in Pakistan has risen to 50 this year, officials announced on Tuesday, as the country continues its fight against the disease that leaves children paralysed.

Health officials said that the latest case was detected in a 20-month-old girl from Tank district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which has recorded a total of 11 cases in 2024, the health officials said.

"Tank is a severely poliovirus-affected district. It has recorded two polio cases and numerous environmental samples have also been detected here," they added.

Balochistan has recorded the most cases so far with 24, followed by Sindh at 13, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at 11, and one case each reported in Punjab and Islamabad.

Pakistan is one of the last two countries in the world where the wild poliovirus continues to spread. This persistence is largely attributed to obstacles such as insecurity, misinformation, and community reluctance, which hinder vaccination efforts.

Health authorities emphasise the importance of parents ensuring their children participate in the frequent polio vaccination drives organised by the government.

Polio, a highly contagious viral disease, predominantly affects children under five, particularly those with weak immunity or inadequate vaccination coverage.

The virus attacks the nervous system, potentially leading to paralysis or even death. While no cure exists for polio, vaccination remains the most reliable defence against this debilitating disease, according to health experts.