Health Desk:
The total number of polio cases in Pakistan has climbed to 55, with two new cases confirmed in Balochistan and one in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday. Balochistan’s total now stands at 26, while KP has reported 14 cases this year.
According to the Balochistan Health Department, the new cases in the province were detected in Jafarabad and Zhob districts. Despite declaring a state of emergency to combat the virus, the number of cases continues to rise, marking a critical failure in eradication efforts.
Experts attribute the surge to flawed vaccination strategies, poor communication, and worsening law and order in Balochistan.
UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and provincial health departments face criticism for their inability to curb the spread of the crippling disease despite extensive financial resources.
Health officials stress the urgent need to revamp polio eradication campaigns and address the challenges of vaccine refusal and accessibility to protect vulnerable children across the country.