- 5 total polio infections reported in 2025, compared to 74 cases in 2024
- 44.2M children targeted in latest immunization drive
- Over 200 polio workers killed since 1990s in targeted attacks
- Sindh Province emerges as new polio hotspot
Health officials confirmed two new polio cases in Pakistan's Sindh and Punjab provinces this week, dealing another blow to the nation's 25-year eradication campaign. The infections mark the first reported cases since March, revealing persistent gaps in vaccine coverage despite multiple nationwide immunization rounds. With security forces escorting medical teams through high-risk districts, workers face dual challenges of extremist violence and deep-rooted public mistrust.
Recent data shows alarming regional disparities in vaccination rates. In Sindh's Jacobabad district - ground zero for the latest outbreak - only 63% of children received oral doses during April's campaign. This falls far below the 95% threshold required for herd immunity. Militant groups spread rumors that vaccines contain pork gelatin or tracking microchips,explains Dr. Faisal Sultan, former health advisor. When families refuse, entire communities become vulnerable.
Three critical insights emerge from the crisis:
- Mobile vaccination units achieve 28% higher coverage than fixed clinics in conflict zones
- Female health workers increase household participation by 41%
- Repeated infections suggest possible vaccine quality issues in remote areas
The government's new 'Polio Plus' initiative deploys 15,000 community ambassadors to counter misinformation through mosque announcements and tribal councils. In Quetta's Shahbaz Town neighborhood, this approach boosted vaccine acceptance from 52% to 89% within six months. However, progress remains fragile. Last week, attackers hurled grenades at a polio team in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, injuring three health workers and two police escorts.
International partners emphasize the global stakes. Pakistan's polio strains have spread to Afghanistan and Iran six times since 2020,warns WHO regional director Ahmed Al-Mandhari. With border regions reporting frequent population movements, experts urge accelerated cross-border coordination. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative plans to deploy $150M in emergency funding for cold chain upgrades and threat monitoring systems.