ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s polio count for 2025 rose to 31 after a new case in North Waziristan. Health officials confirmed the infection this week through laboratory testing. The case involved a four-month-old girl.
According to officials, the NIH laboratory confirmed wild poliovirus type 1 in December samples. The child developed symptoms last month in Union Council Spinwam-2. This marked the fifth polio case from North Waziristan this year.
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Meanwhile, southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to report most cases nationwide. Seventeen of the 31 cases emerged from the region. Authorities link virus spread to security challenges and vaccination access gaps.
However, health officials noted an overall decline in virus detection compared to 2024. They credited high-quality vaccination campaigns conducted during 2025. Still, high-risk areas require sustained and targeted efforts.
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Finally, the Polio Eradication Initiative announced intensified strategies in southern KP. Nationwide vaccination will run from February 2 to 8, 2026. Authorities urged parents to vaccinate children in every campaign.