A second case of poliovirus in as many days was confirmed on Saturday, bringing this year’s total to 24 cases, marking a fourfold increase compared to the same period in 2023. The latest victim is a 29-month-old boy from the Chishtian colony in Hyderabad.
The child was vaccinated on September 11 during the nationwide vaccination drive and received a second dose on September 19, according to Hyderabad Deputy Commissioner Zainul Abiden Memon. Despite the vaccination efforts, health officials noted that while the vaccine “did weaken the virus,” it failed to eradicate it completely.
Following complaints of paralysis, the child’s stool sample was collected on September 14, and ten days later, it confirmed the presence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1). This marks the second polio case reported in Hyderabad this year, the first being in August. Of the 24 total cases, 15 were reported from Balochistan, five from Sindh, two from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.
Notably, seven of these cases have emerged since the conclusion of the vaccination campaign on September 14. The nationwide initiative aimed to vaccinate 33 million children under the age of five across 115 districts.
In response to the rising number of cases, the polio program has laid out a comprehensive roadmap to curb virus transmission by mid-2025. This plan includes a focus on vaccinating children in high-risk areas, addressing operational gaps, fostering community trust through transparent communication, and enhancing oversight and management.
Furthermore, two additional vaccination campaigns are scheduled before the end of the year to bolster immunity among children. Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, urged parents and communities to prioritize polio vaccinations, emphasizing that “Polio has no cure, yet it is entirely preventable with the help of an easily accessible vaccine.”
Experts are expressing concern over the current situation, warning that the existing immunity gap could lead to more cases in the coming months despite ongoing efforts. A polio expert, who chose to remain anonymous, highlighted the challenges faced by the new leadership in addressing this critical public health issue.
As the nation grapples with this pressing health crisis, the call for renewed commitment to polio eradication efforts remains urgent.
