Polio Case Reported in Quetta, Taking Pakistan’s Total to 33 in 2024
A recent case of polio has been reported in Quetta, bringing Pakistan’s total tally to 33 for the year 2024. The affected child displayed symptoms on August 22, with Quetta now accounting for three cases and 37 positive sewerage samples.
Furthermore, the Quetta block has reported 11 cases and 65 positive samples. Balochistan remains the worst-hit province with 17 cases reported. Sindh follows with 10 cases, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with four, and one each from Islamabad and Punjab.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) presented data to the National Assembly, revealing a total of 45 polio cases in Pakistan over the past four years. The government’s commitment to eradicating polio is evident through budget allocations, reaching $80 million for 2024. A total of $447 million has been spent since January 2022 towards polio eradication efforts.
This alarming situation urges the community to prioritize vaccination and support initiatives aimed at eradicating polio from Pakistan.