The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed the detection of another wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) case in Pakistan.

On Monday, 4 November 2024, the lab confirmed detection of the virus in a male child hailing from Killa Saifullah district of Balochistan, bringing the number of total cases in the country this year to 46.

This is the second polio case from Killa Saifullah, where several environmental samples have tested positive for WPV1. So far, 23 cases have been reported from Balochistan province, 12 from Sindh province, nine from KP and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.

Genetic sequencing of the sample collected from the child is underway.

WPV1 has been detected in 76 districts, indicating widespread circulation of the virus and a continued serious risk to children’s well-being from a disease that can paralyze them for life.

Balochistan is the most affected province this year. Campaign implementation faced challenges in this region in previous months due to localized protests and pockets of insecurity. These high number of cases is indicative of the harm that children suffer from missed vaccination opportunities.

Multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five is essential to keep them protected.

We urge all parents to ensure complete vaccination status of children in their care.