ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported its first polio case of 2025 from Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Health officials confirmed that the victim is a 45-month-old male child belonging to the Bettani caste and tribe. The child, a resident of Union Council Lachra in Tehsil DI Khan, tested positive for the wild poliovirus (WPV1). The onset of the case was on January 7, 2025, making it the first WPV1 case of 2025. DI Khan is one of the worst-hit districts of South KP having 11 polio cases in 2024.
In 2024, Pakistan experienced a significant surge in polio cases, marking the worst outbreak in many years. A total of 73 cases were confirmed, with the 73rd case reported from Thatta, Sindh. The affected child was a 15-month-old baby girl, marking the district's first reported case in 2024. The onset of the disease occurred on December 10, 2024.
The recurrence of polio cases, particularly after the alarming increase in 2024, emphasizes the critical need for intensified vaccination efforts and public health interventions. Health authorities are urged to address the challenges hindering polio eradication, including vaccine accessibility, public awareness, and security concerns affecting health workers. A coordinated and robust response is essential to prevent further cases and protect the health of Pakistan's children.