Polio paralyses child in Darra Adamkhel

Balochistan remains the epicenter of the outbreak with 15 confirmed cases

By M Waqar Bhatti
September 27, 2024
A health worker administers polio vaccine to a child during Polio Free Pakistan campaign in Latifabad. — APP/File
A health worker administers polio vaccine to a child during Polio Free Pakistan campaign in Latifabad. — APP/File

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s polio case count for 2024 rose to 23 on Thursday after a new case of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) was confirmed in Darra Adamkhel, Kohat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The infected child, a 10-month-old girl, developed paralysis on September 12, making this the second case reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this year. The country’s polio eradication efforts are under increased scrutiny as authorities work to address the growing number of cases.

So far, Balochistan remains the epicenter of the outbreak with 15 confirmed cases, while Sindh has reported four. Punjab and Islamabad have each recorded one case, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa now reporting its second.