ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has confirmed its eighth polio case of 2026 after a 13-month-old girl in Khyber district tested positive, renewing calls for parents to vaccinate children ahead of a major immunisation campaign.
The National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication confirmed the case.
The affected child belongs to Union Council Janbaz-B in Bara tehsil, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The latest infection is Khyber district’s second reported case this year and the sixth in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The development highlights the continuing challenge of protecting vulnerable children despite repeated vaccination efforts across the province.
Programme officials urged parents and caregivers to ensure every child under five receives oral polio vaccine during the November 2–8 campaign and subsequent rounds.
They stressed that consistent vaccination remains essential to preventing further infections and protecting communities.
Although overall wild poliovirus transmission has declined this year, environmental surveillance continues to indicate circulation in the Peshawar Block, which includes Khyber and Peshawar districts.
Positive environmental detections mean the virus remains present in the area, creating a continuing threat to children who are insufficiently protected.
The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative has launched an investigation into the latest case. Its response is being assessed using scientific evidence, with possible measures including targeted vaccination activities and additional support for routine immunisation services in communities at risk.
The November 2–8 subnational vaccination campaign aims to reach nearly 24 million children across 97 districts, including Khyber.
The round is scheduled to take place simultaneously in Pakistan and Afghanistan, supported by coordination across the border.
Pakistan conducted four large-scale campaigns, repeatedly reaching more than 45 million children.
In this regard, smaller vaccination activities also delivered oral and injectable vaccines in high-risk areas.
The September subnational campaign reached over 29.3 million children, reflecting the scale of ongoing efforts to interrupt transmission.
Parents Urged to Maintain Vaccination
Polio is a highly contagious disease that can cause permanent paralysis. There is no cure, but safe and effective vaccines can prevent it.
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The programme says polio vaccines have been used safely in 195 countries, including all Muslim-majority countries.
