Has Pakistan's Polio Tally Reached 13 Cases in 2025?
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Synopsis
As Pakistan battles against polio, the recent detection of the virus in a toddler raises alarming questions about the effectiveness of immunization efforts. With 13 reported cases this year, health officials urge parents to prioritize vaccinations for their children.
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan has reported 13 polio cases in 2025.
- Recent cases include an 18-month-old girl and a 33-month-old boy.
- Environmental surveillance detected Wild Poliovirus Type 1 in multiple districts.
- Nationwide immunization campaigns reached over 45 million children.
- Health officials stress the importance of repeated vaccinations.
Islamabad, June 27 (NationPress) Pakistan has reported its 13th case of polio for the year, confirmed on Friday when the virus was identified in an 18-month-old girl from Union Council Amakhel, District Tank in South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This information was released by the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad.
This marks the seventh confirmed incident in the province this year, raising significant concerns over the ongoing transmission of the virus in these high-risk areas, according to local media.
To date, there have been four cases reported from Sindh, with one each from Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Earlier this week, the NIH confirmed the presence of the virus in a 33-month-old boy from the Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Last week, the NIH reported that Wild Poliovirus Type 1 (WPV1) was detected in environmental samples taken from seven districts across Pakistan.
According to the Regional Reference Laboratory, these samples were collected between May 8 and May 23 as part of Pakistan's ongoing environmental surveillance efforts.
The sewage samples from Gwadar and Quetta in southwestern Balochistan, Rawalpindi in eastern Punjab, South Waziristan Upper and South Waziristan Lower in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Larkana and Mirpur Khas in southern Sindh tested positive for WPV1, as per the report.
The samples from Lahore in Punjab and Pishin in Balochistan tested negative.
The Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme has conducted three nationwide immunization campaigns in 2025, successfully reaching over 45 million children under five years old with the assistance of more than 400,000 dedicated frontline workers, according to health authorities.
Health officials are urging all parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive polio vaccinations during every campaign, stressing that repeated immunization is the most effective method to protect children from this debilitating disease.
Currently, Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries globally where the wild poliovirus is still endemic. Unfortunately, polio workers have frequently faced attacks, especially in the northwest and southwest regions.
One reason for the persistence of the virus is the reluctance of many parents to vaccinate their children. Polio health workers have been victims of targeted attacks by militant groups opposed to anti-polio efforts in the country.
In April, two health workers associated with Pakistan's anti-polio initiative were abducted by unidentified assailants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The incident occurred in the Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan district, where armed individuals intercepted a passenger bus heading to Dera Ismail Khan and forcibly took the workers to an undisclosed location. They were returning from official duties related to the country's polio eradication campaign.
Point of View
The alarming rise in polio cases in Pakistan signals a critical need for renewed focus on vaccination efforts. With health workers facing significant risks and public hesitance towards immunization, collaboration between authorities and communities is essential. The commitment to eradicating polio must remain steadfast to protect future generations.
NationPress
27/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of polio cases in Pakistan?
As of June 2025, Pakistan has reported 13 confirmed cases of polio this year, with ongoing concerns regarding virus transmission in high-risk areas.
What measures are being taken to combat polio in Pakistan?
Pakistan's Polio Eradication Programme has conducted multiple nationwide immunization campaigns, reaching over 45 million children under five years old.
Why is there a continued presence of polio in Pakistan?
The presence of polio is attributed to a combination of public hesitance towards vaccinations and targeted attacks on health workers.
Are there any safety concerns for polio health workers?
Yes, health workers have frequently been targeted in attacks, particularly in the northwest and southwest regions of Pakistan.
What can parents do to protect their children from polio?
Parents are urged to ensure their children receive polio vaccinations during every campaign, as repeated immunization is crucial for protection.
