Islamabad, December 13, 2024: Pakistan has reported four new cases of polio, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 63 for the year 2024. This marks a concerning rise in polio cases, despite ongoing vaccination campaigns aimed at eradicating the virus. The newly reported cases were detected in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, areas that have previously struggled with high rates of polio transmission.
Health officials are working to contain the spread of the virus, with additional vaccination drives and surveillance measures being implemented in the affected regions. Polio remains a significant public health challenge in Pakistan, where efforts to eliminate the disease have been hindered by security issues, misinformation, and logistical difficulties. The government has emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing further cases and ensuring the long-term protection of children from the debilitating disease.
The rise in polio cases has raised concerns among health experts, who fear that the virus could spread to other regions if containment measures are not intensified. Pakistan is one of the only two countries in the world, alongside Afghanistan, where polio remains endemic. International health organizations have called for increased efforts and support to achieve the global goal of eradicating polio by 2030.
