Two New Polio Cases Confirmed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The National Institute of Health (NIH) has confirmed two new polio cases in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The latest cases include a 16-month-old girl from Union Council Mullazai, Tank, and a 24-month-old girl from Union Council Miran Shah-3, North Waziristan.
With these detections, Pakistan has recorded 23 polio cases in 2025, including 15 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, six in Sindh, and one each in Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Understanding Polio and Vaccination
Polio is a highly infectious disease that can cause lifelong paralysis. The only effective protection is through repeated doses of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) for children under five, along with timely routine immunisations.
Despite progress in eradicating polio, continued cases—especially in southern KP—highlight that children in hard-to-reach areas and regions with low vaccine acceptance remain at risk.
Upcoming Vaccination Campaigns
The National and Provincial Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) are intensifying efforts to strengthen immunity in vulnerable areas. The vaccination schedule for the upcoming low transmission season is as follows:
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September 1–7, 2025: Nationwide door-to-door vaccination campaign
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September 15, 2025: Campaign in southern KP
More than 28 million children under five are expected to receive polio drops during these campaigns.
Call to Parents and Communities
Polio eradication is a shared responsibility. Parents and caregivers are urged to ensure their children receive all recommended polio doses and complete routine immunisations. Communities can also help by supporting vaccination drives, countering misinformation, and encouraging others to vaccinate.
These measures are crucial to interrupt poliovirus transmission and protect children from lifelong paralysis.
