Pakistan has reported its 19 polio case of 2025, confirming a five-month-old infant from Lakki Marwat district in South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province tested positive for the virus. The case, reported from Union Council Sulemankhel, marks the 12th infection in the province this year, according to the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication.

The new case highlights the persistent threat of polio in Pakistan, particularly in areas with low vaccine acceptance. Health officials emphasize the critical need for repeated vaccination to build and maintain immunity against the virus, stressing that every unvaccinated child remains at risk and can contribute to further transmission. Polio is a highly infectious and incurable disease causing lifelong paralysis; the oral polio vaccine (OPV) is the only effective protection.

Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains a major concern due to challenges including restricted access, a shortage of female vaccinators, and operational difficulties in conducting house-to-house vaccinations. Despite nationwide improvements in vaccination campaigns – reaching over 45 million children since September 2024 – these barriers continue to hinder immunization efforts.

The National Emergency Operations Centre plans two nationwide and one sub-national polio vaccination campaigns between September and December 2025, in addition to targeted campaigns in high-risk districts. A recent high-level meeting in Peshawar resulted in a consensus roadmap to address challenges in high-risk areas of South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The next nationwide polio vaccination campaign begins September 1st, focusing on high-risk areas and aiming to vaccinate all children under five. Parents are urged to ensure their children receive the polio drops. Polio eradication requires collective responsibility, including community support for vaccination efforts and dispelling misinformation.