Location: Pakistan
Three New Cases Reported
Pakistan continues to grapple with the challenge of polio as three new cases have been reported, bringing the total number of infections in 2024 to 55. The latest cases were identified in Dera Ismail Khan, Zhob, and Jaffarabad.
Provincial Breakdown of Cases
A provincial breakdown reveals significant disparities in reported cases:
- Balochistan: 26 cases (most affected)
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 14 cases
- Sindh: 13 cases
- Punjab: 1 case
- Islamabad: 1 case
Dera Ismail Khan has documented six cases this year, while Zhob and Jaffarabad have reported three and two cases, respectively.
Gaps in Immunization Coverage
The continued transmission of the virus highlights persistent gaps in immunization efforts and the challenges of reaching at-risk communities.
Calls for Action
Health officials stress the need for intensified vaccination campaigns and broader public awareness initiatives to eradicate polio. Efforts must focus on addressing barriers to immunization and ensuring access to vulnerable populations.
