Another case of wild poliovirus has been confirmed in Pakistan, this time affecting a five-month-old child from Union Council Sulemankhel in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
With this, the total number of polio cases in the country has risen to 19 in 2025.
NIH confirms new polio case
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), its regional laboratory has formally confirmed the presence of poliovirus in the young child. This is the 12th case reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) this year, underlining the region's continued vulnerability to the virus.
Also Read: New polio case reported in KP, national count reaches 18
Health authorities are expected to initiate a localised vaccination campaign in the affected area and surrounding communities to prevent further spread.
Growing concern in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains one of the hardest-hit provinces in the fight against polio. Out of the 19 total cases confirmed across the country in 2025, more than 60% are from KP — indicating persistent gaps in immunization coverage, accessibility, and awareness.
