The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed three new wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases in Pakistan. This brings the total number of cases this year to 59, highlighting the urgent need for intensified vaccination efforts.
On December 2, one case was reported each from DI Khan, Karachi Keamari, and Kashmore. Genetic sequencing of the samples indicates these cases are linked to the same WPV1 genetic cluster that has been active throughout the year.
Breakdown of Cases by Region
- Balochistan: 26 cases
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 16 cases
- Sindh: 15 cases
- Punjab and Islamabad: 1 case each
Notably, DI Khan has reported 8 cases this year, Karachi Keamari has 3, and Kashmore reported its first case in 2024.
The Importance of Vaccination
Polio is a paralyzing disease with no cure, making vaccination critical. The oral polio vaccine (OPV) and routine immunization provide the only defense, especially for children under five.
The Pakistan Polio Program conducts regular mass vaccination drives, targeting over 44 million children. The next campaign, planned for mid-December, emphasizes the importance of parents ensuring their children are vaccinated to protect them against this debilitating disease.
Call to Action
In light of the escalating outbreak, parents must act swiftly to vaccinate their children under five. This collective effort is vital to Pakistan’s polio eradication goals.