Islamabad – Pakistan’s health authorities confirmed three new cases of polio in the country, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in 2024 to 59. These new cases were reported from high-risk areas, including parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation, and Coordination has issued an urgent call for intensified vaccination drives, especially in areas where the virus remains endemic. Health officials emphasized that while efforts to eradicate polio have made significant progress, challenges still persist in certain regions due to security concerns and vaccine misinformation.
Dr. Shahzad Alam, a senior health official, stated, “We are committed to eradicating polio in Pakistan, but we need the support of every citizen to ensure that all children are vaccinated.”
The recent surge in cases has raised concerns over the potential spread of the disease, which remains a major public health challenge in Pakistan. The government is working closely with international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, to ramp up efforts and ensure that every child receives the crucial vaccine.
As the country heads into the winter season, experts are warning that the virus could spread more rapidly, making vaccination campaigns even more critical. Health officials have assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to control the situation and protect the health of children across the nation.