Pakistan has reported a total of 50 polio cases this year, with the latest case detected in the district of Tank in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This brings attention to the ongoing challenges faced by the country in eradicating the infectious disease.
Both Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only two countries in the world where the spread of polio has not been halted. The rise in polio cases has been a significant setback to Pakistan's efforts to become a polio-free nation.
The majority of cases have been reported in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, particularly in areas bordering Afghanistan. The World Health Organization has noted a substantial increase in cases compared to previous years.
According to WHO officials, the forced repatriation of Afghans from Pakistan has contributed to the movement of people across borders, facilitating the spread of the poliovirus. Additionally, factors such as militancy in certain regions have also played a role in the resurgence of polio in Pakistan.
Despite facing challenges, Pakistan continues to conduct vaccination campaigns against polio. However, these efforts are often met with resistance from militants who view the vaccination drives as a Western conspiracy. Tragically, attacks on polio workers and security personnel have resulted in numerous casualties over the years.
Recently, a tragic incident occurred in Balochistan where a bomb blast targeted a vehicle carrying police officers assigned to protect polio workers, resulting in the loss of nine lives, including five children.
The situation underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat polio in Pakistan and ensure the safety of healthcare workers involved in vaccination campaigns.
