“Pakistan’s Polio Cases Reach 50 as New Case Emerges in K-P”

Pakistan’s polio tally for 2024 has climbed to 50 after a new case was reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). The latest victim, a young child, tested positive for the virus in the province’s southern region, raising alarms among health authorities and highlighting the persistence of polio in the country.

The new case underscores the challenges faced by Pakistan in its battle against the crippling disease, despite ongoing vaccination efforts. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains a hotspot for polio due to several factors, including vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and logistical difficulties in reaching remote areas.

Health officials have expressed concern over the rising numbers and emphasized the urgent need to intensify vaccination campaigns, especially in high-risk regions. The government, in collaboration with international partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, continues to work on eradicating the virus through mass immunization drives and public awareness initiatives.

Polio eradication remains a significant public health priority in Pakistan, one of only two countries where the disease is still endemic. The surge in cases this year underscores the importance of robust measures to address gaps in vaccination coverage and to ensure that every child is protected from the debilitating disease.