Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has achieved success in its efforts to eliminate polio, reporting zero cases this year compared to four cases in 2023 that left children paralyzed by this preventable disease. Health experts emphasized that widespread vaccination is crucial to eradicating polio, which continues to affect the disabled population. They noted that while Pakistan reported six polio cases last year, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains polio-free this year, with all reported cases nationwide confined to Balochistan and Sindh provinces. Health officials reaffirmed their commitment to vaccinating all children under five against polio until the disease is completely eradicated. They lamented the impact of anti-vaccination propaganda, stressing that vaccines have historically proven effective in preventing diseases like smallpox and significantly reducing child mortality globally.
