File Photo: Anti polio drops being administered to a child in Balochistan

Syed Ali Shah:

QUETTA: In a concerning development, a new case of poliovirus has been confirmed in a 24-month-old child of Killa Abdullah, Balochistan, according to sources from the health department. This marks the sixth reported case in Balochistan within the first half of this year. The alarming spread includes three cases from Quetta, one from Killa Abdullah, one from Dera Bugti, and one from Chaman.

This troubling trend signals a severe public health crisis. The presence of the poliovirus in the environment across most areas of Balochistan, as indicated by the health department, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and immediate action.

The escalating number of polio cases is a stark reminder of the critical gaps in our healthcare infrastructure and the need for enhanced vaccination campaigns. The government must prioritize this issue, ensuring that all children receive the polio vaccine and that rigorous monitoring is in place to prevent further spread.

This situation demands a wake-up call to those in positions of power. It is imperative that resources are allocated efficiently, healthcare workers are adequately supported, and public awareness campaigns are intensified to combat the resurgence of this debilitating disease. The future of countless children in Balochistan depends on swift and decisive action. The time to act is now.

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Quetta Voice is an English Daily covering all unfolding political, economic and social issues relating to Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province in terms of area. QV's main focus is on stories related to education, promotion of quality education and publishing reports about out of school children in the province. QV has also a vigilant eye on health, climate change and other key sectors.