Ayub Bhutto:
Jafarabad — Another polio case has been confirmed in Balochistan’s Jafarabad district, pushing the total number of cases in the province to 24 for this year.
Across Pakistan, the nationwide polio count has climbed to 49, underscoring the country’s ongoing struggle against the crippling disease.
Health officials confirmed that a child in Jafarabad contracted the virus, with lab results from Islamabad verifying the case.
However, no additional information about the child’s age or gender was released.
Balochistan remains one of the provinces most affected by polio, with recent cases surfacing in areas like Qila Abdullah, Noshki, and Pishin.
The provincial government previously declared a health emergency to tackle the virus but has faced significant challenges in eliminating it completely. Vaccine refusals and difficulties in reaching remote populations have further hindered eradication efforts.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti voiced serious concerns over the rising number of polio cases, directing health authorities and related departments to intensify vaccination and awareness campaigns.
“Safeguarding our children from polio is paramount,” Bugti stated, urging immediate action to protect vulnerable communities.
This latest case highlights the urgent need for stronger vaccination drives, community outreach, and public health initiatives to contain and eradicate polio in Pakistan.
Balochistan’s polio emergency remains critical, as health officials work to address logistical hurdles and mobilize resources to prevent further spread of this devastating disease.
