A new polio case has been confirmed in the Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The National Institute of Health (NIH) verified that a 10-month-old child tested positive for the poliovirus.
This brings the total number of polio cases in Pakistan this year to 18.
Health officials say the virus continues to spread in areas where vaccination access is limited. The latest polio case highlights ongoing challenges in reaching children in remote and high-risk regions.
In response, the National Polio Emergency Operations Centre has launched a new action plan. This plan focuses on South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where difficult terrain and security issues have impacted vaccination drives.
Authorities say they are working to overcome these barriers. Their goal is to improve immunisation campaigns and protect more children from the disease.
Efforts include increasing the number of trained health workers, improving logistics, and strengthening community engagement. Officials are also urging parents to ensure their children receive all required polio drops.
The government remains committed to eliminating polio from the country. Despite past progress, recurring cases show that more needs to be done.
Experts warn that even a single polio case is a public health concern. The virus can spread quickly in unvaccinated populations, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
To stop future outbreaks, continuous monitoring and fast response to new cases are essential. The NIH is closely tracking all new infections and coordinating with provincial health departments.
Pakistan is one of only two countries where polio is still classified as endemic. The government, in partnership with global health agencies, aims to eradicate the virus completely.
Health authorities say that with stronger efforts and public support, Pakistan can still achieve a polio-free future.
Also Read: Pakistan Confirms 33rd Polio Case in 2024
