Two new polio cases have been detected in Pakistan, bringing the total number of cases this year to 39.

The cases were found in Sindh’s Sanghar and Mirpur Khas districts and were confirmed by the National Reference Lab.

The day before, three other polio cases were reported in Balochistan, raising the province’s total for the year to 20.

The Health Department confirmed that the affected children were a nine-month-old from Chaman, an 18-month-old from Pishin, and a five-year-old from Nushki, all of whom have suffered disabilities as a result of the disease.

Efforts are being stepped up by health authorities to fight the virus and safeguard at-risk children.