Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:11am on 25 Jan 2025,Saturday International
Polio cases have surged to 73 in Pakistan in 2024, up from six in 2023, reigniting global health concerns. Experts link the resurgence to virus spillover from Afghanistan, where ongoing conflict, poor sanitation, and Taliban restrictions hinder vaccination efforts. Renowned immunisation expert Zulfiqar Bhutta warns that uneven vaccination rates—85% in Punjab and 30% in Balochistan—pose significant challenges. Pakistan has spent $10 billion since 2011 on immunisation programs but struggles to achieve nationwide coverage. Health experts stress the need for improved strategies and collaboration with Afghanistan's Taliban government to address polio and other infectious diseases effectively.
