Pakistan's Struggle Against Polio: New Case Highlights Endemic Challenges

Pakistan reports its 43rd polio case in 2024, with Balochistan's Chagai district being the latest affected. Despite enduring attacks on vaccination teams, a nationwide immunization drive targets over 45 million children. Efforts to trace the virus origin continue as Pakistan battles polio alongside Afghanistan.

On Wednesday, Pakistan reported its latest polio case in the Chagai district of Balochistan, increasing the 2024 national count to 43. This statistic underscores the country's ongoing battle with the disease, one that remains endemic in only two nations globally: Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Hostilities from militants hinder efforts to fully eradicate the virus, presenting a significant challenge. In response, Pakistan launched a week-long vaccination initiative on Monday, with the goal of inoculating over 45 million children under five nationwide. The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health confirmed the 43rd case of Wild Poliovirus Type-1 (WPV1).

The lab release detailed the case, confirmed on October 30, 2024, marking Chagai district's first recorded polio incident. This year, Balochistan reported 22 cases, Sindh 12, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa seven, and both Punjab and Islamabad one each. Genetic analysis of samples is underway to trace viral origins and transmission.

(With inputs from agencies.)