ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has made remarkable progress in its battle against polio, achieving a milestone with no new cases reported across the country in the final three months of 2025.
This significant achievement was underscored in a comparative analysis released by the National Emergency Operation Center on the last day of the year.
The report revealed a dramatic reduction in polio cases, with Pakistan recording 74 cases in 2024, compared to just 30 in 2025. Health officials hailed this sharp decline as a pivotal step forward in the country’s fight to eradicate the disease.
According to the National Emergency Operation Center, the country has remained polio-free since September 2025. This three-month stretch without any new cases marks a major stride in controlling the virus.
The report also highlighted that Balochistan and Punjab have not reported a single new case for nearly a year, signaling significant advancements in surveillance and sustained vaccination campaigns in these regions.
Throughout the year, six high-quality anti-polio initiatives were successfully carried out nationwide, prioritizing access to children in vulnerable or previously unreachable areas.
The report stated that over 98% of children across Pakistan were successfully vaccinated during these national campaigns. Authorities attributed this widespread coverage as a critical factor in curbing virus transmission.
Government leadership, institutional collaboration, and strengthened coordination at federal, provincial, and local levels were identified as essential elements driving these eradication efforts.
Frontline health workers and security forces were applauded for their tireless dedication, as their cooperation ensured secure access to high-risk and remote communities.
Additionally, engagement by community elders, religious leaders, and the media played a key role in building public trust and dispelling vaccine hesitancy. Their involvement encouraged greater acceptance and participation among families, further fueling the success of the polio program.
