Pakistan Confirms Detection of New Wild Poliovirus Type 1 Case

Pakistan Confirms Detection of New Wild Poliovirus Type 1 Case

Islamabad, January 8, 2025 – Pakistan has reported the detection of a new case of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), highlighting the persistent challenges in the country’s fight against polio.

The case was confirmed by the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH). This latest case, originating from Tank district, marks the fifth reported from the district in 2024.

Pakistan remains one of the few countries still battling polio, with 69 cases of WPV1 reported across the nation last year. These include 27 cases from Balochistan, 21 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 19 from Sindh, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad. This resurgence underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and robust immunization efforts to eliminate the disease from the country.

Polio is a paralyzing and life-altering disease with no known cure. The only effective prevention is through vaccination, particularly the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine immunization schedule for children under five. These measures provide high levels of immunity and are critical in safeguarding Pakistan’s younger population.

To combat polio, Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Program conducts multiple nationwide and targeted vaccination campaigns annually. Vaccination teams reach children at their doorsteps, while the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) offers free vaccinations against 12 childhood diseases at public health facilities across the country.

The first nationwide polio vaccination campaign of 2025 is scheduled to take place from February 3 to February 9, aiming to immunize millions of children under five. Parents across Pakistan are urged to ensure their children receive these life-saving vaccines.

The Pakistan Polio Program emphasizes that the cooperation of families is vital for the success of these campaigns. Parents are encouraged to welcome vaccination teams into their homes and proactively bring their children forward for immunization. With persistent efforts, Pakistan aims to protect its children from the devastating effects of polio and move closer to its goal of complete eradication.

Pakistan’s fight against polio represents a broader commitment to public health and the future of its children, reinforcing the importance of nationwide collaboration in overcoming this challenge.