Pakistan has reported two new polio cases, bringing the total to 21 infections in 2025. Health officials warn that unvaccinated children in high-risk regions remain vulnerable to this crippling and preventable disease.

Where Are the New Polio Cases?

The latest cases were detected in:

  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) – A major hotspot due to low vaccination rates
  • Sindh – Highlighting gaps in immunization campaigns

Authorities are intensifying emergency vaccination drives in affected districts to curb further spread.

Why Is Polio Still a Threat in Pakistan?

Despite global eradication efforts, Pakistan remains one of three countries where wild poliovirus still circulates. Key challenges include:
✔ Vaccine hesitancy – Misinformation and cultural barriers reduce immunization rates
✔ Inaccessible areas – Conflict zones and remote villages miss vaccination teams
✔ Poor sanitation – Contaminated water facilitates virus transmission

Polio Symptoms Every Parent Should Know

Most infections show no symptoms, but in severe cases, watch for:

  • Sudden muscle weakness (usually in legs)
  • High fever and fatigue
  • Paralysis (permanent in some cases)

Note: There is no cure—vaccination is the only protection.

How to Protect Your Family

  1. Ensure children complete all polio drops (every dose matters!)
  2. Support vaccination teams – They’re working tirelessly to save lives
  3. Report symptoms immediately – Early detection limits outbreaks
  4. Boil water or use filters – The virus spreads through contaminated water

What’s Next for Pakistan’s Polio Fight?

The government and WHO are:

  • Targeting high-risk districts with door-to-door campaigns
  • Engaging community leaders to combat vaccine misinformation
  • Monitoring sewage samples to detect silent virus circulation

A Call to Action

Polio could be eradicated in Pakistan with consistent vaccination. If you know unvaccinated children, urge their parents to act now—before it’s too late.

For more on childhood vaccinations and disease prevention, explore our health guides.