Pakistan Faces Setback as First Polio Case in Capital in 16 Years Emerges

Pakistan reported its first polio case in the capital, Islamabad, in 16 years, marking a setback in national efforts to eradicate the virus. The case is the 17th this year in the country. A targeted vaccination campaign is set to begin to immunize over 33 million children under five.

Pakistan faced a significant setback on Friday as authorities reported the first polio case in the capital, Islamabad, in 16 years. This discovery marks a critical point in the nation's ongoing battle to eliminate the crippling disease.

The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio at the National Institute of Health identified wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in a child in Union Council Rural 4 of Islamabad. The detection adds to the country's polio burden, tallying the 17th case this year.

Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister's Focal Person for Polio Eradication, emphasized the urgency of ramped-up efforts, including a comprehensive vaccination campaign starting September 9, aiming to immunize over 33 million children under five across 115 districts.

(With inputs from agencies.)