Polio case from KP's Khyber takes nationwide tally for 2026 to eight

ISLAMABAD: The National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication (NEOC) has reported Pakistan's eighth polio case of 2026, originating from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Khyber district. The child affected is a 13-month-old girl from Union Council Janbaz-B in the Bara tehsil, as per the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme (PPEP).

Polio, a highly contagious disease with no cure, can result in lifelong paralysis but can be prevented through safe and effective polio vaccines. The PPEP emphasizes the importance of vaccinating every child, urging parents to ensure all children under five receive the oral polio vaccine during upcoming campaigns. This is the second case reported from Khyber District this year and the sixth in the province, highlighting the need for consistent vaccination across the nation.

While wild poliovirus transmission has decreased this year, the Peshawar Block, including Khyber and Peshawar districts, has reported environmental detections, indicating ongoing virus circulation and a continued risk to children's health. The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) is investigating the case and assessing the appropriate response to prevent further transmission, including targeted vaccination activities and support for strengthening routine immunization.

So far in 2026, Pakistan has conducted four large-scale polio campaigns, protecting over 45 million children multiple times, along with smaller targeted campaigns in high-risk areas. The next sub-national vaccination campaign is scheduled for November 2-8, aiming to protect nearly 24 million children across 97 districts, including Khyber, with cross-border coordination with Afghanistan.