New polio case confirmed in Hyderabad, nationwide tally reaches 27
A health worker administers anti-polio drops to a child during the launch of the citywide vaccination campaign, marking another crucial step in the fight to protect future generations from the crippling disease. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS
The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has confirmed a new case of polio in Hyderabad district of Sindh, bringing the total number of polio cases reported across Pakistan to 27 in 2025. According to the NEOC, Sindh has reported seven cases so far this year, highlighting ongoing challenges in eradicating the crippling virus from the province.
“Polio is an incurable disease that can cause lifelong disability,” the NEOC said in a statement, urging parents to ensure their children receive polio drops during every vaccination campaign.
The next nationwide polio vaccination drive will be held from October 13 to 19, during which over 400,000 polio workers will go door-to-door to administer oral polio vaccine drops to children under the age of five.
The NEOC emphasised that the support of parents, communities, teachers, religious leaders, and the media is crucial to the success of the polio eradication campaign.
Despite significant progress in recent years, Pakistan remains one of the few countries in the world where polio is still crippling children, with health authorities warning that continued vigilance and public cooperation are essential to stopping transmission.