Pakistan has reported its first polio case of the year 2025, coming from Dera Ismail Khan (DI Khan) in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This development has raised serious concerns among health officials and the local community, as efforts continue to eradicate the virus from the country.
The National Emergency Operations Center Coordinator, Muhammad Anwarul Haq, has assured the public that authorities are working closely with the provincial government to tackle the situation. Immediate steps are being taken to contain the spread of the virus in DI Khan and nearby high-risk areas.
To address this alarming situation, Pakistan’s first national polio vaccination campaign of 2025 is scheduled to begin on February 3. This campaign will focus on DI Khan and other regions where the risk of polio remains high. The authorities are urging parents to play their part in safeguarding their children’s health by ensuring they receive polio drops when vaccination teams visit their homes.
The rising number of cases in high-risk regions, such as southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, underlines the importance of vaccination campaigns. Last year, Pakistan reported a total of 73 polio cases. Of these, 27 were reported in Balochistan, 22 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 22 in Sindh, and one each in Punjab and Islamabad. This data highlights the urgent need for continued vigilance and cooperation between health authorities and communities to fight this disease.
Polio is a highly infectious disease, but it is entirely preventable with proper vaccination. Pakistan remains one of the few countries where polio has not been eradicated, and health officials stress the importance of collective efforts to protect children from this life-altering disease.
Parents are reminded to ensure their children under five years of age receive polio vaccinations during each campaign. Together, with timely vaccinations and awareness, Pakistan can take strong steps toward a polio-free future.
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