Polio cases rise to 22 in Pakistan as another child diagnosed with virus

A 30-month-old baby boy was diagnosed with the polio virus in Balochistan’s Pishin, confirmed authorities on Thursday.

The disease has paralysed almost 22 children in Pakistan so far this year, according to the official tally.

Following the addition of a new case, the number of poliovirus victims in Balochistan reached 15, showing the high rate of cases across the country.

Six cases were reported from Qila Abdullah and two from Quetta. Dera Bugti, Chamam, Jhal Magsi, Zhob, Qila Saifullah, and Kharan each reported one case.

Sindh has the second-highest number of poliovirus patients, where four cases were reported so far.

Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad each reported one case in 2024.

Earlier, in the meeting of donors, spokesperson for polio eradication Ayesha Raza Farooque termed eradication of poliovirus as the top priority of the government.

Farooque said Pakistan was near polio-free in 2021, but now "we have again an intense poliovirus outbreak since 2023."

She said her team was attempting to find the gap “where we are wrong, including surveillance, communications, and campaign operations.”

During the meeting, the representatives from partner agencies and donors appreciated Pakistan’s dedication to ending the polio virus.