ISLAMABAD: Pakistan recorded a significant decline in polio cases in 2025, marking major progress in its ongoing fight against the crippling disease, officials said.
According to official data, reported polio cases fell sharply from 74 in 2024 to 30 in 2025, with no new case detected anywhere in the country since September. The progress is being attributed to sustained, high-quality vaccination campaigns and strengthened disease surveillance across the country.
During 2025, six polio vaccination campaigns were conducted, including five nationwide drives, ensuring wider coverage and improved immunity among children.
Health authorities, however, stressed that the fight against polio will continue with full resolve until the virus is completely eradicated.
Despite the decline in cases, poliovirus continues to circulate in some high-risk areas, making continued vigilance essentialk, Targeted interventions, enhanced community engagement, and uninterrupted vaccination efforts remain critical to reaching every missed child and preventing any resurgence of the virus.
The most recent nationwide polio vaccination campaign, held from December 15 to 21, achieved over 98 percent coverage at the national level. Strong performance was reported across all four provinces as well as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and Islamabad. Compared to the previous vaccination round, an 18 percent reduction in the number of missed children was recorded, with notable improvements in access and operational performance, particularly in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Officials acknowledged that localized access challenges persist in some areas, especially parts of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but said these gaps have been clearly identified and are being addressed through district-specific strategies. Enhanced microplanning, better team deployment, stronger community engagement, and close coordination with security personnel are central to these efforts.
The progress in 2025 reflects strong government leadership and close collaboration among federal and provincial authorities, frontline health workers, security forces, and international partners.
Authorities emphasized that continued engagement with communities, religious leaders, civil society, and the media is crucial to counter misinformation and build trust in vaccination efforts.
Looking ahead, Pakistan’s polio eradication programme plans to intensify targeted activities in 2026 to interrupt the remaining virus transmission. With transmission now limited, population immunity rising, and performance improving in historically challenging areas, officials expressed confidence that the country is moving steadily toward a polio-free future for every child.
