KPK reports another polio case, tally reaches 18 this year across country

ISLAMABAD: Polio virus has been identified in a 10-month-old child in Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH).

The presence of the polio virus has brought the total number of polio cases across the country to 18 this year.

The National Polio Emergency Operations Centre is making a new plan to overcome the challenges faced in the campaign in the South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Officials said efforts are being stepped up to overcome logistical challenges and enhance the quality of immunization campaigns in high-risk locations.

The centre reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating polio via long-term efforts and personalized interventions in at-risk locations.

Earlier, Health officials confirmed three new cases of polio in Pakistan, raising fresh concerns about ongoing efforts to eradicate the virus.

According to the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC), two cases were reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — one each from North Waziristan and Lakki Marwat — while one case was confirmed in Umerkot, Sindh. With these new cases, the total number of polio cases reported in the country so far in 2025 has reached 17.

Officials explained that the polio virus mainly affects children with weak immune systems. They warned that children who miss out on routine vaccinations not only put themselves at risk but also pose a threat to others in their communities.