Pakistan Reports New Polio Case Amid Review of Eradication Strategies

ISLAMABAD: The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for Polio Eradication has concluded a critical assessment of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to combat polio, coinciding with the report of a new case of the disease, which has raised the total number of reported cases in 2025 to 13. The latest case, confirmed by the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH), involves an 18-month-old girl from Union Council Amakhel in the Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking her as the seventh polio case from that province this year.

The rise in polio cases is alarming, considering there were 74 cases reported in 2024, a significant increase from just six cases in 2023, highlighting a worrying trend in the resurgence of wild poliovirus in Pakistan. The TAG meeting held in Islamabad brought together national and international experts to evaluate the past six months of polio eradication activities under the National Emergency Action Plan for Polio Eradication (NEAP).

Dr. Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister's Focal Person for Polio Eradication, emphasized the importance of TAG's recommendations, which advocate for enhanced management, improved campaign quality, and focused vaccination for mobile and missed children. The experts noted critical barriers to eradication, including vaccine hesitancy and logistical challenges in accessing certain populations.

Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal acknowledged the efforts made under the Prime Minister's leadership, stating, “Coordination among provinces has improved. We know that maintaining and strengthening our concerted efforts remains essential to fulfil this national mission.” The TAG's recent recommendations also stress the need for better training and capacity building for frontline workers, an essential aspect in addressing the challenges posed by missed children during vaccination campaigns.

The meeting included participation from chief secretaries across provinces, as well as representatives from various international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UNICEF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, all of whom are integral partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). These stakeholders have provided ongoing support and resources aimed at curbing the spread of polio in the region.

As Pakistan implements the NEAP 2024-25, the increasing number of polio cases poses a significant public health challenge that requires immediate action. Experts emphasize that sustained efforts and commitment from all stakeholders are crucial to overcoming the barriers faced in the fight against polio. The future of the eradication program hinges on addressing these challenges effectively to prevent further outbreaks and safeguard the health of children across the nation.