Pakistan has reported two new polio cases from Lakki Marwat and North Waziristan districts in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, raising the country’s total to 26 cases this year. The National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) confirmed the latest detections on Monday, highlighting ongoing challenges in eradicating the disease.
Officials emphasized that polio is an incurable illness that can cause permanent disability, making vaccination critical. The EOC urged all parents to ensure their children under five receive the polio vaccine during every immunization campaign. Cooperation with health workers is essential to stop the virus from spreading further.
In response to the rising cases, a fresh vaccination campaign began today in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Bajaur, and Upper Dir. The drive targets more than 1.685 million children, aiming to strengthen protection against the virus. Authorities stressed the importance of high-quality vaccination efforts to reach every child.
Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only two countries where wild poliovirus still circulates. Despite ongoing vaccination efforts, polio continues to pose a serious public health risk, especially in remote and conflict-affected regions. Health officials warn that failure to vaccinate threatens to reverse progress made in recent years.
The government and health agencies are working together to increase awareness and improve immunization coverage. They remind the public that vaccinating children is the most effective way to prevent polio’s crippling effects. Continued vigilance and community participation are key to finally eradicating the disease from Pakistan.