A new case of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) has been confirmed in Pakistan, bringing the total number of cases reported in the country in 2025 to 31. The case was detected in a 4-month-old girl from Union Council Spinwam-2 in District North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Rising Cases, Focused Challenges
This latest case marks the fifth reported in North Waziristan in 2025 alone. Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is currently experiencing a disproportionate impact, accounting for 17 of the 31 cases identified nationwide this year. The region faces ongoing security challenges that have hindered consistent access for polio vaccination teams, creating gaps in immunity and leaving children vulnerable.
Beyond Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, cases have been reported in Sindh (9 cases in 2025), Punjab (1 case in 2025), and Gilgit-Baltistan (1 case in 2025). While the number of detections is declining compared to 2024, the virus continues to circulate in specific high-risk areas.
Efforts to Combat Polio
The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) is responding by intensifying vaccination efforts, particularly in vulnerable regions. The National Task Force has endorsed a 2025-26 roadmap focused on repeated nationwide vaccination campaigns and strengthening routine immunization services.
A nationwide polio campaign is scheduled to take place from February 2nd to 8th, 2026, aiming to vaccinate over 45 million children under the age of five across the country, including South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is wild poliovirus type 1?
Wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) is a highly infectious disease that can cause paralysis, and is one of the three strains of poliovirus still circulating in the world.
Where are the majority of cases being reported?
Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is currently reporting more than half of Pakistan’s WPV1 cases, with 17 of the country’s 31 cases reported from the region in 2025.
What is being done to address the situation?
The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) is intensifying efforts to ensure comprehensive vaccination coverage, particularly in high-risk areas, and a nationwide campaign is planned for February 2nd-8th, 2026.
Given the ongoing challenges, what further steps might be necessary to ensure the complete eradication of polio in Pakistan?
