First polio case in Pakistan recorded this year highlights ongoing challenges
The first wild polio case in 2026 was recently confirmed by Pakistan’s National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication (NEOC) in a four-year-old child from Bello Union Council, Sujawal District of Sindh Province. The case underscores the persistence of the highly infectious and incurable disease that can cause lifelong paralysis.
According to the NEOC press release, this incident was reported through the polio surveillance network and confirmed by the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad. This marks a concerning setback in Pakistan’s ongoing battle against polio, with the only effective protection being repeated doses of the oral polio vaccine for every child under five during each campaign.
Despite challenges in ensuring vaccination coverage, the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) remains committed to its goal of eradicating global public threats of polio. The initiative has already analysed and is readying the best response to tackle this new case, reinforcing its pledge to prevent further transmission.
Pakistan’s dedication to polio eradication has been remarkable. Since 1994, the country has reduced polio cases by an astonishing 99.8%, from an estimated 20,000 cases in the early 1990s to just 31 cases in 2025. This progress was achieved through a series of nationwide campaigns and targeted immunisation efforts.
This year alone, Pakistan conducted its first-ever nationwide polio campaign, which vaccinated over 45 million children, ahead of the upcoming April campaign. In 2025, five nationwide campaigns were carried out alongside targeted rounds to ensure all children under five received the necessary vaccinations.
While overall detections declined compared to 2024, persistent virus circulation remains a concern in high-risk areas such as Sindh and southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These regions continue to pose significant challenges for eradicating polio, with recent detection of 31 cases over the year.
The NEOC statement emphasizes the ongoing need for robust, targeted efforts to interrupt transmission. It highlights that while Pakistan’s dedicated frontline workers ensure vaccines reach every child, it is equally crucial for parents and caregivers to make sure their children receive all recommended doses, including routine immunisations.
Parents and caregivers are urged by the PEI to ensure their children are vaccinated during every campaign to protect them from lifelong disability or death. The initiative also stresses the vital role of communities, religious leaders, and media in promoting vaccination efforts and countering misinformation.
Pakistan remains one of the last two countries worldwide where polio is endemic, alongside Afghanistan. While challenges persist, Pakistan’s commitment continues with its dedicated frontline workers ensuring vaccines reach every child, while parents and caregivers play a key role by securing their children’s health through consistent vaccinations.