Editorial:
QUETTA: Balochistan continues to grapple with a worsening polio crisis, with 23 cases now reported in the province, contributing to a nationwide total of 46 cases.
Despite numerous vaccination campaigns and financial aid from international organizations like UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus remains rampant, particularly in Balochistan, which has the highest caseload despite making up only 5% of Pakistan’s population.
In a recent high-level meeting, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti instructed health officials to urgently raise the province’s polio immunization rate from 38% to 60%.
Chief Minister Bugti, along with Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar and senior health officials, reviewed current strategies and emphasized the need for an efficient, structured approach to eliminate the virus.
Bugti directed Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) and Lady Health Workers (LHWs) to intensify their roles in the anti-polio drive, stressing community-friendly methods and reducing public inconvenience.
However, the provincial government’s response has come under fire as the virus continues to spread. Despite an emergency declaration and ongoing campaigns, critics argue that both the government and international health agencies are failing to address the root causes behind low immunization rates.
Observers note that outdated strategies and ineffective outreach are contributing to persistent gaps, with children in remote and high-risk areas left vulnerable.
This publication has repeatedly advocated for adopting indigenous approaches tailored to the unique needs of Balochistan’s communities.
As polio cases rise, the province’s struggle highlights governance and management deficiencies in the health sector. Health Secretary Mujeeb-ul-Rehman acknowledged gaps in routine immunization, but meaningful change remains to be seen as cases climb despite government efforts.
With rising infections and limited improvements, it is clear that Balochistan needs a revamped, locally driven strategy if Pakistan hopes to become polio-free.
