Has Pakistan Confirmed Another Polio Case? The 2025 Count Reaches 24
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Synopsis
In a worrying development, Pakistan has reported another case of polio, bringing the total for 2025 to 24. This alarming situation highlights the ongoing challenges in immunization efforts amid security issues. Discover the implications and efforts being made to combat the spread of this infectious disease in the country.
Key Takeaways
- 24 cases of polio reported in Pakistan for 2025.
- New case involves a 20-month-old girl from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Vaccination efforts face challenges due to security issues.
- Anti-polio campaign aims to immunize over 28 million children.
- Polio remains endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Islamabad, Sep 1 (NationPress) A recent case of polio has been identified in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, increasing the overall number of cases in 2025 to 24.
The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad announced on Monday that this new case involves a 20-month-old girl from Union Council Ping A in the Tank district, as reported by the prominent media outlet Geo News.
The tally now includes 16 cases from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 6 from Sindh, and 1 each from Punjab and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan. The affected girl has no travel history, indicating that the virus is still circulating locally, while vaccination efforts in the region remain limited.
Health officials noted that the girl belongs to the Bettani tribe and resides in the Jandola tehsil, an area significantly affected by security issues, which hampers vaccination campaigns.
Officials from the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) described the situation as "alarming but not unexpected," citing challenges in reaching children for immunization in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in Tank, North Waziristan, South Waziristan, and other tribal areas.
One official stated, "Security-compromised districts present the greatest obstacle to halting polio transmission. These areas allow the virus to persist and spread, endangering the rest of the country."
An anti-polio campaign commenced on Monday, aiming to vaccinate over 28 million children under the age of five across 99 districts, as reported by the National Polio Eradication Programme. More than 240,000 polio workers are engaged in this campaign, which extends to various regions of Pakistan.
Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two nations globally where Wild Poliovirus remains endemic. Polio workers often face attacks, particularly in the northwestern and southwestern regions.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), polio is a highly contagious viral illness that primarily affects children under five years of age. While there is no cure for polio, immunization can prevent it. Administering the polio vaccine multiple times can provide lifelong protection to a child.
Point of View
The recurring polio cases in Pakistan underscore the urgent need for improved access to immunization in security-challenged regions. The situation demands a coordinated response from health authorities and civil society to ensure that every child is vaccinated against this preventable disease.
NationPress
01/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current polio case count in Pakistan for 2025?
As of September 1, 2025, Pakistan has reported a total of 24 polio cases.
Where was the latest polio case reported?
The latest polio case was reported in Union Council Ping A, Tank district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
How does polio spread?
Polio spreads through contact with an infected person or contaminated food and water, particularly in areas with poor sanitation.
What are the vaccination efforts in Pakistan?
An anti-polio campaign is currently underway, aiming to vaccinate over 28 million children under five in 99 districts.
What challenges are faced in eradicating polio in Pakistan?
Challenges include security issues that restrict access to vaccination campaigns in certain regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, North Waziristan, and South Waziristan.
