ISLAMABAD: A new polio case has been detected in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, taking Pakistan’s total number of reported cases this year to five, the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) said.
In a statement, the NEOC said the latest case was reported from Bannu as the country continues efforts to eradicate the crippling disease.
Pakistan has witnessed a decline in polio cases over the past three years, with reported infections dropping from 74 in 2024 to 31 in 2025 and five so far in 2026.
Meanwhile, the latest nationwide anti-polio campaign concluded on September 27 after being conducted in 112 selected districts from September 21.
According to the NEOC, more than 28.2 million children were administered oral polio vaccine (OPV) drops during the campaign.
Polio is a paralysing disease with no known cure, making vaccination the most effective means of protection. Health authorities stress that children under five require multiple doses of OPV along with completion of their routine immunisation schedule to develop strong immunity.
The Pakistan Polio Programme conducts several nationwide vaccination campaigns each year, with vaccinators reaching children at their homes. The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) also provides free vaccines against 12 childhood diseases at designated health facilities.
The NEOC urged parents and caregivers to ensure that all children under five receive their polio and routine vaccinations on schedule.
