Polio Cases on the Rise in Pakistan, 55 Children Affected Nationwide

Quetta:Sources from the **Ministry of Health** have reported a concerning rise in the number of **polio cases** across Pakistan. According to the latest information, **three more children** have been affected by the **polio virus**, bringing the total number of affected children to **55**.

The newly reported cases include **two children from Balochistan** and **one from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa**. This brings the total number of polio cases in **Balochistan** to **26**, while **Khyber Pakhtunkhwa** has reported **14 cases**. Additionally, **Sindh** has seen **13 cases** of polio, while **Islamabad** and **Punjab** each have reported one case.

The **Balochistan Health Department** has confirmed that the new cases of polio have been reported from the districts of **Zhob** and **Jafarabad**. Notably, the case from Zhob is the **third polio case** reported this year from the district, and the case from Jafarabad is the **second** in 2024.

Before these cases, **polio outbreaks** had been recorded in **Qilla Abdullah** (6 cases), **Quetta** (3 cases), and **Qilla Saifullah**, **Pishin**, and **Chaman** (2 cases each). Additionally, single cases have been reported from **Dera Bugti**, **Chaghi**, **Jhal Magsi**, **Kharan**, **Nushki**, and **Loralai**.

The increase in polio cases is a significant concern for public health authorities, especially as Pakistan continues to struggle with **eradication efforts**. Health officials have urged heightened vigilance and increased vaccination campaigns to prevent further spread of the virus.