Two New Polio Cases Confirmed in KP, Tally Rises to 10
News Desk
Islamabad: The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed two new cases of wild poliovirus in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, raising alarm over persistent immunity gaps in the region.
The cases were reported from Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts in the southern belt of the province.
According to the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme, both areas have experienced significant hurdles in implementing door-to-door vaccination campaigns due to restricted access, operational challenges, and a shortage of female vaccinators—factors that continue to leave thousands of children vulnerable to the virus.
In Lakki Marwat’s Union Council Bakhmal Ahmad Zai, children missed vaccinations during both the February and April 2025 national immunization campaigns. Meanwhile, in UC Saintanga, Tehsil Wazir of Bannu District, no comprehensive polio vaccination drive has taken place since October 2023, exacerbating immunity gaps.
“These persistent barriers not only hinder vaccination efforts but also increase the risk of virus transmission in communities already burdened by health disparities,” a statement from the programme noted.
With these latest confirmations, Pakistan has now recorded 10 polio cases so far this year: five in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, four in Sindh, and one in Punjab.
Despite continued high-quality nationwide campaigns, southern KP remains one of the most challenging regions for eradication efforts. In response, the Polio Eradication Programme is intensifying its efforts, coordinating closely with local authorities, community leaders, and health workers to overcome logistical obstacles.
The third nationwide polio vaccination campaign of 2025 is scheduled to begin on May 26, aiming to immunize over 45.4 million children under the age of five across 159 districts, with a special focus on high-risk areas like southern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Polio remains a highly infectious disease with no cure, and repeated oral polio vaccine (OPV) doses are essential for protecting children from paralysis. Health officials have urged all parents to ensure their children receive every available dose of the polio vaccine.
“No child should be missed. Every single dose counts in building protection and immunity,” the program emphasized.
Community support and cooperation are being highlighted as crucial to eradicating the virus once and for all.
