Pakistan faces Polio resurgence: Five Cases Reported in 2025

Islamabad, February 28, 2025 – Pakistan is grappling with a concerning resurgence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), with the nation reporting two new cases, bringing the total count for 2025 to five. This development raises concerns about the effectiveness of ongoing eradication efforts and the vulnerability of unvaccinated populations.

New Cases Emerge in Sindh and Punjab

The latest polio cases have surfaced in the provinces of Sindh and Punjab, according to the National Institute of Health’s Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication. specifically, the cases where detected in Kambar, Sindh, and Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab.

A lab official stated, “This is the third polio case from Sindh and the first from Punjab this year, bringing the total number of cases in 2025 to five.” The previous three cases were identified in the Badin and Larkana districts of Sindh, and the Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A Troubling Trend: Increase in Polio Cases

The current situation marks a worrying trend for Pakistan, especially considering the important number of cases reported in the preceding year. In 2024, Pakistan recorded 74 polio cases, with Balochistan reporting 27, khyber Pakhtunkhwa 22, Sindh 23, and Punjab and Islamabad each reporting one.

Recent Vaccination Efforts and Challenges

In response to the escalating situation, Pakistan initiated its first nationwide polio vaccination campaign earlier this month. Following this, a fractional IPV-OPV Polio (injectable polio vaccine) campaign was conducted in Quetta and Karachi on February 20 and 22, respectively. These campaigns aim to boost immunity among vulnerable children and prevent further spread of the virus.

Though, vaccination efforts face resistance in some communities. On February 2, the Quetta administration arrested five people who refused to allow their children to be vaccinated against polio. Assistant Commissioner Maria Shamooun, accompanied by a polio team, visited various areas of Sariab, and 15 children of reluctant parents were administered the polio vaccine after persuasion, according to district administration. Despite repeated warnings, five parents who continued to refuse vaccination were taken into custody.

Understanding Polio: Transmission, Symptoms, and Prevention

According to the World Health Institution (WHO), polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus transmitted mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, through contaminated water or food. The virus multiplies in the intestine and can lead to severe health complications.

Initial symptoms of polio include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness of the neck, and pain in the limbs. “One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs),” states the WHO. Among those paralyzed, 5-10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized. Children under 5 years of age are mainly affected by polio, according to WHO. Though, anyone of any age who is unvaccinated can contract the disease.

While there is no cure for polio, it is entirely preventable through vaccination. “Polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life,” emphasizes the WHO. Two types of vaccines are available: oral polio vaccine and inactivated polio vaccine.

The Path Forward: Strengthening Vaccination and Addressing Misinformation

The resurgence of polio in Pakistan underscores the urgent need for intensified vaccination efforts and community engagement.Addressing misinformation and building trust in vaccines are crucial steps in ensuring wider coverage and preventing further outbreaks. Continued collaboration between the government, healthcare organizations, and international agencies is essential to achieve polio eradication in Pakistan.

Protect your children and community: Ensure that your children receive all recommended polio vaccinations. contact your local healthcare provider for more information.