Pakistan has reported its fifth polio case of 2026 after a 17-month-old girl tested positive. The case was detected in Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) confirmed the case on Tuesday. The infection was reported from Khandar Khankhel Union Council in Domel tehsil.
According to the NEOC, four of Pakistan’s five polio cases this year were detected in Bannu division. Three of those cases originated from Bannu district.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to report a significant number of polio infections. The province recorded 20 of Pakistan’s 31 cases in 2025.
Sindh reported nine cases during the same period. Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan each reported one case.
The latest polio case has renewed attention on vaccination efforts in areas where the virus continues circulating. Health authorities have stressed the importance of coordinated action.
Government agencies, health workers, families and communities all have roles in preventing polio. Vaccination teams continue visiting communities to provide polio drops to children.
Health officials have urged parents and caregivers to ensure children receive all recommended polio vaccine doses. They also emphasized the importance of routine immunisation.
Authorities have highlighted the role of community leaders in supporting vaccination campaigns. Religious figures can also help address concerns and misinformation about vaccines.
The media has also been encouraged to support public awareness efforts. Officials say accurate information can help families make informed decisions about vaccination.
According to the NEOC, Pakistan has made significant progress against polio through vaccination campaigns. The country has reduced reported cases by 99.8 percent compared with the early 1990s.
Pakistan recorded an estimated 20,000 polio cases annually during the early 1990s. The number fell to 31 cases nationwide in 2025.
Five cases have now been reported so far in 2026. The figures show a major long-term decline, although transmission has not been eliminated.
The NEOC said poliovirus transmission has declined overall since 2025. However, the virus continues to circulate in parts of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The region remains a focus for health authorities and vaccination teams. Continued immunisation is considered important for protecting children from the disease.
The latest polio case in Bannu highlights the ongoing challenge of stopping transmission. Authorities continue to call for cooperation from families and communities.
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They also stress that completing recommended vaccinations remains important. Continued coordination among health workers and local communities will remain central to polio eradication efforts.
