Three new polio cases have been confirmed in Pakistan, bringing the total number of cases in 2025 to 17. The latest infections were reported in Lakki Marwat and North Waziristan (both in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Umerkot (Sindh). The affected children include:
- A 15-month-old girl from Takhtikhel, Lakki Marwat
- A 6-month-old girl from Mir Ali, North Waziristan
- A 5-year-old boy from Chajro, Umerkot
These detections highlight the ongoing challenge of eradicating polio in Pakistan — one of only two countries in the world where polio remains endemic, alongside Afghanistan.
So far this year, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reported the highest number of cases (10), followed by Sindh (5), and one case each in Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The continued spread of polio underscores critical barriers such as vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and security concerns, especially in remote or underserved areas. Polio is a highly infectious disease that can cause lifelong paralysis, particularly in children under five. The only effective prevention is consistent oral polio vaccine (OPV) doses.
In response, health authorities have launched targeted immunization campaigns:
- From July 21–27, a vaccination drive covered high-risk border areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, coordinated with a similar campaign in Afghanistan.
- Another campaign began on July 21 in Chaman and will extend to six districts in Balochistan starting July 28.
Officials stress that every unvaccinated child is at risk of contracting and spreading the virus. Pakistan’s leadership continues to push for nationwide eradication through provincial and international collaboration. Ensuring timely vaccinations is essential to finally eliminate polio from the country.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 27th, 2025
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
