Pakistan’s health authorities reported a concerning increase in polio cases, with the total number of confirmed infections for 2024 reaching 52. The latest two cases were identified in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, specifically in the Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan district, raising the number of cases in the region to 13 this year.
According to Pakistani news outlet Geo News, the highest number of polio cases has been recorded in Balochistan, with 24 reported infections. Sindh follows closely with 13 cases, while Punjab and Islamabad have each reported a single case.
Polio vaccination campaigns have been underway in Pakistan since 1994, with nearly 260,000 people participating in the efforts to eliminate the disease. Despite these ongoing campaigns, Pakistan, along with Afghanistan, remains one of the only two countries in the world where polio is still endemic.
The rising number of polio cases highlights the ongoing challenges in eradicating the disease, despite extensive vaccination efforts and international support. The situation underscores the importance of continued vigilance and commitment to achieving a polio-free world.
