First wild polio case of 2026 confirmed in Sujawal District, Sindh

The National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication (NEOC) has confirmed the first case of wild poliovirus in Pakistan for the year 2026. According to official statements, the case was detected in a four-year-old child residing in the Bello Union Council of Sujawal District, Sindh.

NEOC officials reported that the case was identified through the polio surveillance network and subsequently confirmed by the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad. The confirmation was made public on Thursday.

Polio is described as a highly infectious and incurable disease that can result in lifelong paralysis. Health authorities emphasize that the only effective protection against polio is the administration of repeated doses of the oral polio vaccine to every child under the age of five during each vaccination campaign, in addition to the timely completion of all essential immunisations.

In a press release, the NEOC stated, “The Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) is already analysing the best response to tackle and prevent further transmission.” The statement also noted that, despite ongoing challenges, efforts to eliminate the threat of polio in Pakistan and globally remain within reach. The PEI continues to intensify its activities in response to the latest case.

Officials have not released further details regarding the specific circumstances of the case or the immediate response measures being taken in Sujawal District. However, the confirmation of this case underscores the importance of sustained vaccination efforts and vigilant surveillance to prevent further spread of the virus.

Health authorities urge parents and caregivers to ensure that all children under five receive the oral polio vaccine during each campaign and complete all recommended immunisations as scheduled.