ISLAMABAD: The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed Pakistan’s sixth polio case this year. The latest case comes from District Thatta, Sindh.
This is the fourth polio case in Sindh in 2025, according to the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme. Health officials remain concerned about the persistent presence of polio in certain areas.
Last year, Pakistan recorded 74 polio cases. Balochistan reported the highest number with 27 cases, followed by Sindh (23), Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (22), Punjab (1), and Islamabad (1).
Polio causes paralysis but is preventable through vaccination, especially for children under five. Health experts stress the importance of completing the full vaccination schedule to build immunity, particularly in high-risk areas like Sindh.
Pakistan continues to conduct nationwide vaccination campaigns. Earlier this month, the first national drive of 2025 immunized over 45 million children.
A targeted campaign in Quetta Division and Karachi vaccinated 900,000 children using both injectable and oral polio vaccines. Authorities also vaccinated 600,000 children in 104 union councils near Afghanistan and in areas with Afghan refugees to prevent cross-border transmission.
The Polio Programme urges parents to vaccinate their children. Officials stress that every dose is crucial in the fight against polio and preventing further paralysis cases.
