Pakistan Reports Fourth Polio Case of 2026 in Bannu
Islamabad: Pakistan has reported its fourth polio case of 2026, with the latest infection confirmed in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication (NEOC).
The government-led Polio Eradication Initiative has urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children receive polio vaccinations during the upcoming nationwide campaign scheduled for September 21 to 27.
New Case Reported From Bannu
The affected child belongs to Nurar Union Council in Miryan tehsil of Bannu.
According to the polio programme, vaccination teams have faced difficulties reaching children in the area consistently since 2025 because of security-related challenges.
Officials said the situation has contributed to continued circulation of wild poliovirus in parts of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Three Cases Reported From Southern KP
Of Pakistan’s four reported polio cases this year, three have been detected in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The polio programme said that although overall poliovirus transmission in Pakistan has declined compared with previous years, the virus continues to circulate in southern KP.
Authorities have emphasized the need for continued vaccination and disease surveillance, particularly in areas where security conditions make access difficult.
Polio Cases Have Declined Significantly
According to the Polio Eradication Initiative, Pakistan has reduced polio cases by 99.8% compared with estimated levels in the early 1990s.
The programme said the country recorded an estimated 20,000 polio cases in the early 1990s, compared with 31 cases reported during 2025.
Officials stressed that continued vaccination remains essential to prevent the virus from spreading and protect children from permanent disability.
Four Cases Reported Across Pakistan in 2026
The first polio case of 2026 was reported from Sujawal district in Sindh, involving a four-year-old child from Bello Union Council.
The other two cases before the latest Bannu case were reported from Bannu and North Waziristan.
The concentration of cases in southern KP remains a concern for health authorities, particularly in communities where vaccination teams face access and security challenges.
Next Polio Campaign to Target 31 Million Children
Pakistan has already conducted three nationwide polio vaccination campaigns during 2026.
The next campaign will run from September 21 to 27 and aims to vaccinate nearly 31 million children, including children living in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Health authorities have called on families to cooperate with vaccination teams and ensure that eligible children receive polio drops during every campaign.
Vaccination Remains Key to Polio Prevention
Polio is a highly contagious disease that has no cure and can cause lifelong paralysis or, in severe cases, death.
However, vaccination can effectively prevent the disease. The polio programme stressed that every child needs to be protected because continued transmission can put unvaccinated children at risk.
Authorities said maintaining strong surveillance and consistent vaccination coverage across the country is essential to completely eliminate poliovirus from Pakistan.
