Poliovirus Confirmed in Gilgit-Baltistan: Pakistan's Ongoing Battle Against a Highly Infectious Disease

Strategic Insights -

A 23-month-old child from Diamer district in Gilgit-Baltistan has tested positive for wild poliovirus, marking the first-ever case in the region and the 11th confirmed polio case in Pakistan this year. The confirmation comes despite Pakistan's third nationwide polio vaccination campaign, which vaccinated over 45 million children under five across 159 districts. Health experts stress that repeated oral polio vaccine doses are essential to protect children, and officials urge parents to ensure their children receive all immunization doses to build immunity and prevent lifelong disabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • A 23-month-old child from Diamer district in Gilgit-Baltistan has been confirmed to have contracted wild poliovirus, marking the first-ever case in the region.
  • This is the 11th confirmed polio case in Pakistan in 2025, highlighting the ongoing challenges in eradicating the disease.
  • The confirmation comes after Pakistan's third nationwide polio vaccination campaign, which vaccinated over 45 million children under five across 159 districts.
  • Health experts emphasize the importance of repeated oral polio vaccine doses to protect children, and officials urge parents to ensure their children receive all immunization doses.
  • The Pakistan government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding health workers and eradicating polio, with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemning recent attacks on polio vaccination teams.

Statistics:

  • 23 months: The age of the child who tested positive for wild poliovirus in Gilgit-Baltistan.
  • 11: The number of confirmed polio cases in Pakistan so far in 2025.
  • 45 million: The number of children under five vaccinated during Pakistan's third nationwide polio vaccination campaign.
  • 159: The number of districts across Pakistan where children were vaccinated under the nationwide campaign.
  • 74: The number of polio cases recorded in Pakistan last year, underscoring ongoing challenges.
  • 2025: The year in which Pakistan has confirmed 11 polio cases, making it a critical period in the country's effort to eradicate the disease.

Sources:

  • "Polio case confirmed in Gilgit-Baltistan" (date not specified), Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad.
  • "Pakistan's third nationwide polio vaccination campaign concludes" (May 26-June 1, 2025), Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination.