ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s polio count for 2025 has increased after two new cases were confirmed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Health officials reported that two new polio cases from KP push Pakistan’s 2025 tally to 26.
The latest cases were detected in North Waziristan and Lakki Marwat districts. The affected children include a 19-month-old girl from Mir Ali and an 11-month-old boy from Suleman Khel. With these cases, the year’s total has reached 26, out of which 18 are from KP. Six cases were reported from Sindh, while Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan each recorded one case.
Environmental surveillance has also raised concern. In August, 126 sewage samples from 87 districts were tested. Out of these, 75 were negative, while 51 tested positive for poliovirus. Sindh reported the highest number of positive samples, followed by Punjab, KP, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad. Encouragingly, all samples from Azad Jammu and Kashmir were negative.
Health experts have expressed worry about the persistence of cases in southern KP. They highlight that children in remote areas, as well as families refusing vaccination, remain at the highest risk. To counter the threat, a sub-national immunization drive was launched on September 15 in southern KP, running until September 18.
Officials stressed that polio is incurable and highly contagious. The only way to protect children is through repeated oral polio vaccines along with routine immunization. Parents are being urged to ensure every child under five receives the vaccine in each campaign.
Despite stronger surveillance systems, the fact that two new polio cases from KP push Pakistan’s 2025 tally to 26 shows gaps remain in vaccination coverage. Health authorities say intensified campaigns and community cooperation are essential to stop further spread.
Read More : Pakistan Polio Cases Rise To Nine With a New Case Reported In Balochistan
