A male child from Ghotki district in Sindh has become the latest victim of the wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), marking the 47th case of polio in Pakistan this year. This tragic event highlights the continued threat of the virus despite ongoing vaccination efforts.
The confirmation came from the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health Islamabad on Friday, November 08, 2024. The child, whose identity has not been disclosed, was paralyzed by the poliovirus, which has long been a source of fear and concern for families across the country.
The case from Ghotki marks the first in the district, but the region has seen growing concern due to its proximity to areas like Sukkur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Shikarpur, where polio has been reported earlier this year. With this latest incident, the total number of polio cases reported in Sindh has now reached 13. Other provinces have also seen alarming numbers, with Balochistan accounting for 23 cases, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reporting nine, and Punjab and Islamabad each seeing one case.
Urgent Need for Vaccination
While the confirmation of the case raises concern, it also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of the polio vaccination campaign. The oral polio vaccine (OPV) is a vital tool in protecting children from the crippling effects of the virus, and it is offered multiple times a year through nationwide vaccination campaigns.
Parents are urged by the health experts to ensure that every child under five receives multiple doses of the OPV, in addition to completing their routine vaccinations through the Expanded Programme for Immunization.
Authorities are currently carrying out genetic sequencing of the virus samples collected from the child to track its origins and assess the spread of the virus.
A Call to Action
The Pakistani government, along with global health organizations, continues to emphasize the need for vigilance and comprehensive vaccination coverage to stop the spread of polio. Despite the challenges, efforts to eradicate polio in Pakistan remain a priority. It is crucial that every child is vaccinated to prevent further cases and ensure a polio-free future.
Parents across the country are urged to make sure their children are up to date with all vaccinations and to participate in every round of polio vaccination campaigns. The virus is preventable, but only with widespread and consistent vaccination.