Pakistan’s total confirmed polio cases for 2025 have risen to 10, following the detection of two new wild poliovirus cases in Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The National Institute of Health (NIH) confirmed the cases through its Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication.
Of the total cases, five have been reported from KP, four from Sindh, and one from Punjab.
Despite ongoing high-quality polio vaccination campaigns, certain areas—particularly in southern KP—continue to face access challenges and operational hurdles, making house-to-house vaccination difficult. Health authorities warn that these obstacles leave thousands of children vulnerable to poliovirus exposure due to missed immunization opportunities.
In UC Bakhmal Ahmad Zai (Lakki Marwat), children missed vaccination during the February and April 2025 immunization drives, leading to immunity gaps. Similarly, UC Saintanga, Tehsil Wazir (Bannu) has not seen a comprehensive campaign since October 2023, with a shortage of female vaccinators and monitoring gaps further exacerbating the situation.
The Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme (PPEP) is actively working with stakeholders to address these challenges and enhance vaccination efforts in high-risk areas. An intensified vaccination schedule is being implemented to interrupt virus transmission and protect children from lifelong paralysis.
The third nationwide polio vaccination campaign of 2025 is set to begin on May 26, targeting over 45.4 million children under five across 159 districts, including high-risk areas in southern KP.
Polio remains a highly infectious disease with no cure, and the only protection is through repeated doses of the oral polio vaccine and timely completion of essential immunization schedules.
Health officials urge parents to ensure their children receive polio drops, emphasizing that every dose strengthens immunity and reduces the risk of lifelong paralysis.
With polio still a threat, community support is vital—no child should be missed.
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