Targeted polio immunization campaign scheduled for northern Pakistani districts within the upcoming week
In the midst of 2025, Pakistan has reported 14 polio cases, a concerning resurgence that has raised alarm bells in the health sector. The cases have been spread across four provinces, with the majority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Sindh, and a few in Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan.
This resurgence is attributed to several factors, including security issues, vaccine hesitancy, and challenges in accessing hard-to-reach areas. The ongoing conflict and security challenges in regions like KP have hindered the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns, leaving gaps in coverage. Misinformation and resistance to vaccination have also contributed significantly to the persistence of polio, often stemming from religious or cultural misconceptions about the vaccine. Regions like southern KP face logistical challenges due to terrain and conflict, making it difficult to conduct thorough house-to-house vaccinations. In some areas, lack of awareness about the importance of vaccination and the risks of polio contributes to the problem.
To tackle these challenges, targeted strategies have been proposed for high-risk areas such as Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Gilgit-Baltistan, efforts should focus on improving access to remote areas through innovative logistics and community engagement. Programs that educate local communities about the benefits of vaccination can help reduce hesitancy. Partnering with local leaders and influencers can enhance the acceptance of vaccination among the population.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, enhanced security measures, cultural sensitivity training for health workers, and community-led initiatives are key. Implementing secure vaccination routes and stations can protect both the staff and the public. Educating health workers to address cultural concerns and misconceptions about vaccines can improve acceptance. Empowering local communities to take ownership of vaccination efforts can increase their effectiveness.
On a national level, Pakistan continues to conduct regular and comprehensive vaccination campaigns targeting over 45 million children under five. Utilizing digital platforms to combat misinformation and promote awareness about the importance of vaccination is also crucial. Partnering with religious leaders to promote vaccination as aligned with religious teachings can help reduce resistance.
The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) is overseeing the polio eradication efforts in Pakistan. A similar vaccination operation is planned for 11 union councils in North Waziristan. The campaign will target more than 158,000 children in high-risk districts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The NEOC will apply special focus and effective strategies in high-risk union councils.
Pakistan is one of only two countries in the world where polio remains endemic, the other being neighboring Afghanistan. The number of polio cases recorded in Pakistan in 2023 was six, and in 2021, only one polio case was recorded. The government conducted three nationwide polio campaigns earlier this year.
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children and can cause permanent paralysis. There is no cure for polio, but it can be prevented through multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and a complete routine immunization schedule. The government aims to reach around 45 million children with the help of over 400,000 frontline workers.
By addressing these challenges and implementing targeted strategies, Pakistan can better tackle the resurgence of polio and move closer to its goal of eradication.
- Concerns about the world's health sector escalate as Pakistan reports 14 polio cases in 2025, sparking concerns due to their spread across four provinces.
- The rise in polio cases is attributed to several factors, including security issues, vaccine hesitancy, and difficulties in accessing remote areas.
- Ongoing conflicts and security challenges in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have hampered the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns.
- Misinformation and resistance to vaccination, often based on religious or cultural misconceptions, have aggravated the persistence of polio.
- Southern KP faces logistical challenges due to terrain and conflict, making thorough house-to-house vaccinations difficult.
- Lack of awareness about the importance of vaccination and the risks of polio contribute to the problem.
- Proposed strategies aim to tackle challenges in high-risk areas such as Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- In Gilgit-Baltistan, access to remote areas through innovative logistics and community engagement is emphasized.
- Programs that educate local communities about the benefits of vaccination are essential for reducing hesitancy.
- Partnering with local leaders and influencers can enhance the acceptance of vaccination among the population.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa requires enhanced security measures, cultural sensitivity training for health workers, and community-led initiatives.
- Secure vaccination routes and stations can protect both staff and the public.
- Educating health workers to address cultural concerns and misconceptions about vaccines can improve acceptance.
- Empowering local communities to take ownership of vaccination efforts can boost their effectiveness.
- Pakistan carries out regular and comprehensive vaccination campaigns, targeting over 45 million children under five.
- Digital platforms are used to combat misinformation and promote awareness about the importance of vaccination.
- Partnering with religious leaders is crucial for reducing resistance to vaccination.
- The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) coordinates polio eradication efforts in Pakistan.
- A similar vaccination operation is planned for 11 union councils in North Waziristan.
- The campaign aims to target more than 158,000 children in high-risk districts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- The NEOC will concentrate special focus and effective strategies in high-risk union councils.
- Pakistan is one of the two countries where polio remains endemic, the other being neighboring Afghanistan.
- Six polio cases were recorded in Pakistan in 2023, and only one case in 2021.
- The government conducted three nationwide polio campaigns earlier this year.
- Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause permanent paralysis and primarily affects young children.
- There is no cure for polio, but it can be prevented through multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and a complete routine immunization schedule.
- The government aims to reach around 45 million children with the help of over 400,000 frontline workers.
- Addressing these challenges and implementing targeted strategies can help Pakistan eradicate polio.
- The polio resurgence highlights the importance of prioritizing global health, especially in vulnerable regions.
- Efforts to combat polio can serve as a model for addressing other chronic diseases and medical conditions, such as cancer, respiratory conditions, and digestive health issues.
