Pakistan has reported another polio case, bringing the total to 27 so far in 2025. The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) confirmed the latest case from Hyderabad district, Sindh. With this, the province has now recorded 7 cases this year. NEOC reminded the public that polio is an incurable disease that can cause permanent disability.
In response, NEOC urged parents to ensure their children receive polio drops during every campaign. The next national polio drive is scheduled from October 13 to 19. More than 400,000 workers will go door to door to vaccinate children. Officials emphasized that parents, teachers, religious leaders, media, and community members all play vital roles in the success of the campaign.
Read more: Two new polio cases raise 2025 tally to 26
However, global concern is growing. The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) has warned that Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts are failing. The IMB said decades of work and $22 billion in funding are now at serious risk. Traditional methods are no longer effective.
The IMB’s chairman, Sir Liam Donaldson, wrote to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom. He said the situation has become critical due to continuous virus transmission, geopolitical instability, and financial pressures. The report, titled The Glass Mountain, states that these combined challenges threaten the survival of the eradication program.
Read more: KP launches polio drive for 5.7 million kids
Experts are calling for bold new strategies, realistic planning, and clear national accountability. They believe only a fresh, honest approach can lead to success. With Pakistan and Afghanistan remaining the last strongholds of the virus, urgent action is needed to end polio for good.