Pakistan’s Jacobabad Reports 71st Polio Case in 2024, Adding to Growing Concerns
Pakistan’s National Institute of Health has confirmed the country’s 71st case of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) for 2024, with the latest case involving a male child from Jacobabad. This report comes amid rising concerns over the resurgence of polio, as the total number of cases in Jacobabad alone this year has reached five.
### Rising Polio Cases Across Pakistan
The detection of the 71st polio case in Pakistan highlights a growing trend, with 27 cases reported in Balochistan, 21 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 21 in Sindh, and one each in Punjab and Islamabad. Health authorities are emphasizing the crucial role of vaccination in preventing further outbreaks and containing the spread of the disease.
### Urgent Vaccination Campaigns
To address the escalating situation, Pakistan’s Polio Program has been actively conducting nationwide vaccination campaigns. The next campaign is scheduled for February 3-9, 2025, urging parents to ensure all children under five receive the oral polio vaccine (OPV) to build immunity against the virus.
### International Travel Restrictions
In response to the polio outbreak, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has made polio vaccination mandatory for travelers from countries, including Pakistan. Passengers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mozambique must present a valid polio vaccination certificate upon entry into the Kingdom, with exemptions for transit passengers.
Amid these developments, it is crucial for communities to prioritize vaccination efforts to protect vulnerable populations and prevent the spread of polio. By staying informed and supporting vaccination initiatives, we can work together to combat the resurgence of this debilitating disease and safeguard public health for future generations.
