Polio cases continue to climb in the region, with three new infections reported on Sunday — two from Balochistan and one from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — bringing the total this year to 55. The tally in Balochistan now stands at 26, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has recorded 14 cases so far.
Balochistan’s health department confirmed the latest cases were identified in Jaffarabad and Zhob districts. These developments come at a time when emergency efforts to eliminate polio are in full swing, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns in the region.
Experts point to a combination of factors driving the spike in Balochistan, including poorly managed immunization drives, ineffective outreach to communities, and the ongoing security challenges that complicate healthcare access. Despite considerable financial resources and international support, including from UNICEF and the World Health Organization, efforts to curb polio’s spread appear to be falling short.
Health authorities in Balochistan have urged a complete overhaul of current strategies, stressing the need to address vaccine refusals and logistical hurdles that have left many children vulnerable. However, persistent issues, such as allegations of fraudulent vaccination reporting, continue to undermine public trust in the program.