Pakistan Reports New Polio Cases Amid Ongoing Vaccine Campaigns

KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistan reported two new polio cases in the southern province of Sindh on Monday, bringing the total count to 29 cases since the start of the year, despite ongoing efforts to combat the disease.

The cases involve two young girls from the cities of Badin and Thatta, as confirmed by health officials from the Pakistan Polio Eradication Program. This situation is concerning as Pakistan remains one of the last two countries, alongside Afghanistan, where the wild poliovirus is still endemic.

Efforts to eradicate polio in Pakistan face significant challenges, including vaccine hesitancy in various communities and accessibility issues in remote areas. Some parents continue to refuse vaccinations, which complicates public health initiatives.

Health workers also confront risks while attempting to reach households in regions known for violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In February, gunmen killed a police officer who was providing security for a vaccination team in Jamrud, emphasizing the dangers involved in these campaigns.

In a significant vaccination drive earlier this month, health authorities reported that nearly 21 million children under five received vaccinations against polio. A nationwide campaign is slated to begin on October 13, with the goal of vaccinating approximately 45 million children.

Polio is a highly infectious disease that can lead to lifelong paralysis. Pakistan has seen an average of about three new cases each month this year. Health authorities remain adamant about the necessity of continued vaccination, as the World Health Organization emphasizes: “Polio eradication is a shared responsibility.”

The history of polio eradication in Pakistan shows fluctuations, with the number of reported cases decreasing to just five in 2021 before rising again to 99 last year. Experts caution that without ongoing, coordinated efforts, progress made can quickly be reversed.