A new case of wild poliovirus has been confirmed in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The patient is a five-month-old child from Union Council Sulemankhel.
This brings the total number of polio cases in Pakistan to 19 this year, with 12 from KP alone, highlighting the region’s ongoing struggle to contain the virus.
NIH confirms the case
The National Institute of Health (NIH) confirmed the presence of the virus through its regional lab. In response, health authorities are planning a targeted vaccination campaign in the area to prevent further spread.
Why it matters:
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains the most affected province, accounting for over 60% of all cases in 2025. Experts point to gaps in vaccination, limited access, and low awareness as major challenges in eradicating the disease.
