With 63 polio cases reported across Pakistan in 2024, Balochistan has emerged as the most affected province, accounting for 26 cases (41%). In response to this alarming situation, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) of Balochistan has announced a province-wide seven-day polio vaccination campaign starting December 17.
EOC Coordinator Inamul Haq stated that the drive aims to vaccinate over 2.66 million children under the age of five. The campaign is a reaction to both reported cases and the detection of the virus in environmental samples. Haq emphasized the critical need for cooperation from parents to ensure children receive the polio drops, cautioning that failure to vaccinate could lead to life-long disabilities.
The highest number of cases in the country was reported from areas in Balochistan, including Chaman, Dera Bugti, Qila Abdullah, Quetta, Jhal Magsi, Zhob, Pishin, Loralai, Nushki, Chagai, Kharan, and Jafarabad.
The province has mobilized approximately 11,600 teams for the campaign, including 9,326 mobile teams, 904 fixed-site teams, and 593 transit points, to ensure maximum reach. Despite harsh weather conditions, polio workers have been commended for their dedication.
Civil society, religious scholars, and teachers have been urged to actively support the campaign. Parents whose children miss the vaccination are advised to contact their district administration immediately.
In addition to the vaccination efforts, the EOC is working to strengthen routine immunisation to combat the disease effectively in the long term.
