Pakistan reports sixth polio case of 2026 in Khyber district

The latest case has taken Pakistan’s total number of polio cases this year to six, with five of them reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Four cases have been detected in southern districts of the province, the NEOC.Health authorities said poliovirus transmission continues to be detected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Khyber-Peshawar block, prompting officials to begin a comprehensive investigation into the latest case in Khyber district.

The investigation is expected to assess the circumstances surrounding the infection and help identify areas where vaccination coverage and disease surveillance need to be strengthened. Officials have also decided to expand access to polio vaccination for children living in high-risk areas.

Preparations are under way for vaccination activities targeting older children, including the use of oral and injectable polio vaccines where required. Authorities are also working to strengthen routine immunisation services in areas considered vulnerable to poliovirus transmission.

Pakistan continues to face challenges in eliminating polio despite repeated nationwide vaccination campaigns. Children in areas with limited access to healthcare, population movement and gaps in routine immunisation remain particularly vulnerable to the virus. The latest case comes after Pakistan recorded 31 polio cases in 2025.

During four major vaccination campaigns this year, more than 45 million children have received polio vaccine doses multiple times, health authorities. Health officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of ensuring that every child receives the recommended doses of polio vaccine, particularly in areas where the virus continues to circulate.

The government and health authorities are expected to increase vaccination and surveillance activities in high-risk districts following the detection of the latest case. Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause permanent paralysis, particularly among children.

Although there is no cure for polio, vaccination provides effective protection against the disease. The latest case highlights the continuing need for sustained vaccination, surveillance and routine immunisation efforts as Pakistan works towards interrupting poliovirus transmission.