Polio cases continue to rise in Pakistan despite efforts to eradicate the virus

Laboratory tests have revealed that the poliovirus samples from these areas are genetically linked to the same WPV1 virus cluster, indicating the virus’s continued circulation in the affected regions.

So far in 2024, Balochistan has seen the highest number of cases, with 26 reported, followed by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa with 16, Sindh with 15, and isolated cases from Punjab and Islamabad.

Despite extensive vaccination campaigns and significant government efforts to eradicate the disease, these new cases highlight the ongoing challenges in controlling polio. Health authorities have expressed concern over the persistence of the virus in high-risk areas and are increasing efforts to contain its spread, including enhanced surveillance and vaccination campaigns targeting vulnerable communities.