Pakistan reports two new polio cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, total reaches 26 this year

The number of polio cases in Pakistan continues to rise, with two new cases reported from Lakki Marwat and North Waziristan districts in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) confirmed Monday.

With the latest detections, the total number of polio cases reported in the country this year has climbed to 26. Officials warned that polio remains an incurable disease that can cause lifelong disability, underscoring the urgent need for vaccination.

“All children under the age of five must be vaccinated against polio in every campaign,” the EOC said in a statement, urging parents to cooperate fully with health workers.

A fresh vaccination drive has begun today in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Bajaur, and Upper Dir, targeting more than 1.685 million children. The EOC stressed that “high-quality polio campaigns are essential to protect children from this incurable disease.”

Pakistan, along with Afghanistan, remains one of the last two countries in the world where the wild poliovirus continues to circulate.

Reporter: Babar Shahzad Turk