New Case Confirmed in Hyderabad
Pakistan’s struggle to eradicate polio continues as health authorities confirmed a new case in Hyderabad, Sindh, bringing the national tally for 2025 to 27. The confirmation came from the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH), which is conducting ongoing surveillance to monitor the presence of the virus.
The latest detection highlights the persistent circulation of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), particularly in high-risk regions where immunization coverage remains inconsistent.
Persistent Threat of Poliovirus
Despite decades of global eradication efforts, Pakistan remains one of only two countries in the world where polio is still endemic, the other being Afghanistan. The recurring cases are a reminder that the virus continues to pose a significant threat to vulnerable communities, especially children under five years of age.
Health experts warn that even a single case represents a wider risk, as the highly contagious virus can spread rapidly in under-immunized populations. The emergence of new cases in Sindh demonstrates the need for sustained vigilance and proactive response strategies.
Importance of Vaccination Campaigns
In response to the latest case, health authorities have reiterated the critical role of routine immunization and mass vaccination campaigns. National and provincial health departments, working alongside international partners, have consistently emphasized the importance of protecting every child against the virus.
Special campaigns targeting high-risk areas are being intensified to ensure no child is left unvaccinated. Authorities are also focusing on increasing public awareness, addressing misinformation, and mobilizing communities to cooperate with vaccination teams.
Challenges in Eradication Efforts
Efforts to eliminate polio in Pakistan face multiple challenges, including vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and access barriers in remote or conflict-affected areas. In addition, population movement between Pakistan and Afghanistan complicates eradication strategies, as cross-border transmission remains a recurring concern.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan has made significant progress in reducing cases compared to past decades. However, the persistence of new detections shows that eradication requires unwavering commitment, political support, and active community participation.
Global and National Outlook
Polio eradication remains a global priority under the End Polio Now initiative. Pakistan’s health authorities continue to collaborate with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) to strengthen surveillance, improve vaccine coverage, and respond quickly to outbreaks.
With the count of cases in 2025 reaching 27, experts stress that every case is a reminder of the unfinished task of eradicating polio once and for all.
