Summary Three of the four polio cases reported in Pakistan this year have emerged from the Bannu division
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Pakistan has reported its fourth polio case of the year, with the latest case emerging from Bannu district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC).
The affected child is a resident of Noorar Union Council in the Miryan tehsil of Bannu.
Three of the four polio cases reported in Pakistan this year have emerged from the Bannu division, highlighting the continued challenges to vaccination efforts in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to NEOC officials, persistent security concerns have made it difficult for polio teams to maintain regular access to children in the Bannu division. Vaccination teams have been unable to consistently reach children in Noorar Union Council since 2025.
Officials said the continued presence of unvaccinated children has allowed the poliovirus to circulate in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. While overall poliovirus transmission has declined across the country, the risk remains high in southern parts of the province.
Pakistan reported 31 polio cases during 2025, according to the NEOC.
The next nationwide anti-polio campaign will be conducted from September 21 to 27, during which health teams are expected to administer polio drops to around 31 million children.
The NEOC said the polio vaccine is safe and effective and has been used in 195 countries worldwide.
