The Ministry of Health has confirmed three new polio cases in Pakistan, raising the total number of cases this year to 21. The newly identified cases have emerged in Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to an official statement.
Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, expressed grave concern over these developments but reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating the disease. “The Government is more determined than ever to rid the country of polio,” she stated, emphasizing the serious measures being implemented in collaboration with provincial governments for coordinated efforts nationwide.
Highlighting the success of the initial polio eradication campaign for the 2024-2025 season, Ayesha Raza reported that 33 million children were vaccinated across 115 districts. She also announced upcoming nationwide vaccination campaigns scheduled for October and December to combat the virus’s spread.
As part of ongoing efforts, the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) and the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) have launched a joint initiative called “Big Catch Up,” aimed at vaccinating all unvaccinated children. “We are leaving no child behind in our efforts,” Ayesha Raza added.
The Ministry of Health reiterated its commitment to safeguarding children’s health and eradicating polio from the country once and for all.
