Polio is spreading rapidly in Pakistan, with cases now confirmed in eight districts.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) disclosed that wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) was detected in sewage samples from Dera Ismail Khan, Charsadda, Rawalpindi, Qambar, Jamshoro, Killa Saifullah, Barkhan, and Mastung.
A total of 63 polio cases have been reported across the country this year. Balochistan has the highest number with 26 cases, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 18, Sindh with 17, and one case each in Punjab and Islamabad.
For the first time this year, a positive sewage sample was found in Charsadda, heightening concerns about a possible outbreak and the growing threat to children nationwide.
On December 13, Pakistan recorded four new polio cases within 24 hours, raising the total for 2024 to 63. The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) for Polio Eradication reported these cases from Dera Ismail Khan, Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Tank. Among the newly infected, three were girls, while one boy in Sukkur also tested positive.
Health authorities are continuing vaccination drives and awareness campaigns to combat the virus's spread.
The recent surge in polio cases has alarmed international organizations, prompting calls for urgent action. Sources revealed that Pakistan has assured these organizations of swift measures to curb the outbreak.
Additionally, representatives from global health organizations are expected to visit Pakistan later this month to assess the situation and assist in the fight against polio.
