Pakistan Alarmed as First Polio Case in 16 Years Emerges in Capital

Photo : PTI

In a concerning development, Pakistan has reported its first case of poliovirus in the federal capital, Islamabad, in 16 years. This case, identified in Union Council Rural 4 near the Sangjani Toll Plaza, marks the first instance of polio in the city since 2008. The victim is an eight-year-old boy whose case has heightened alarm among health officials.

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The new case brings the total number of poliovirus cases in Pakistan this year to 17. Beyond these confirmed cases, wild poliovirus (WPV1) has been detected in environmental samples from 64 districts, suggesting a broader geographic presence of the virus.

The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio at the National Institute of Health has confirmed that environmental samples from Islamabad and the neighboring Rawalpindi district have tested positive for WPV1 since June. This highlights a persistent threat to children’s health in these areas.

Ayesha Raza Farooq, the prime minister’s focal person for polio eradication, described the situation as "incredibly heartbreaking." In response, the polio program has engaged in extensive consultations with provincial and district authorities to bolster eradication efforts. 

Muhammad Anwarul Haq, the coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication, emphasized that the government is intensifying its efforts to ensure all children receive the polio vaccine. A major vaccination campaign is planned from September 9 to 13, targeting 115 districts across the country.

This campaign aims to reach over 33 million children under the age of five. It will also address all 36 districts of Balochistan, which has seen 12 polio cases reported since February. The government is mobilizing extensive resources to combat the resurgence of polio and ensure the health and safety of the nation’s children.

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