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Polio Drive Fails 935,000 Kids in Pakistan's Merged Districts Amid Crisis

A polio vaccination campaign in Pakistan's merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa failed to reach over 935,000 children under five, with officials blaming security challenges and population displacement. The region reported 19 polio cases in 2025, highlighting the acute risk in areas like North Waziristan. Operational support and funding cuts for WHO and UNICEF programs further hampered efforts, leaving displaced children particularly vulnerable. Despite a successful nationwide campaign that vaccinated over 44.6 million children, authorities warn that sustained efforts in high-risk zones are critical to prevent outbreaks.

Key Points: 935,000 Children Miss Polio Vaccine in Pakistan's KP Districts

  • 935,000 children missed
  • Security & displacement hurdles
  • 19 polio cases in KP in 2025
  • Nationwide drive vaccinated 44.6 million
2 min read

Pakistan: Polio drive in merged districts falls short; 935,000 children missed

Pakistan's polio campaign missed 935,000 children in merged districts due to security & displacement. 19 cases reported in KP in 2025. Learn the risks.

"children in these areas at heightened risk - Health Officials"

Islamabad, January 2

The polio vaccination campaign in Pakistan's merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fell short of its target, leaving over 935,000 children under five unvaccinated, officials said, citing security challenges and population displacement as key hurdles, The Express Tribune reported.

According to The Express Tribune, citing authorities, thousands of families from North and South Waziristan, Bajaur, and other merged districts have migrated to different parts of the country, complicating monitoring and vaccination efforts.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 19 polio cases in 2025, including four each in North Waziristan, Lakki Marwat, and Tank; three in Bannu; two in Torghar; and one each in Dera Ismail Khan and Lower Kohistan, as reported by The Express Tribune.

Officials noted that staffing and operational support for WHO and UNICEF programmes in the merged districts were reduced last year, while WHO funding cuts also affected campaign coverage, leaving children in these areas at heightened risk.

In Sindh, more than 12,000 children under five were reportedly missed during the final polio drive of 2025 in Hyderabad and surrounding areas, according to The Express Tribune.

Refusals were recorded mainly in Cantonment areas and municipal towns such as Hussainabad, Preetabad, Qasimabad, and Tando Jam, with absent households and parental refusals cited as primary reasons.

Despite these gaps, the nationwide anti-polio campaign successfully vaccinated more than 44.6 million children across Pakistan, according to The Express Tribune.

Punjab led with 22.9 million children vaccinated, followed by Sindh with 10.6 million, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 7.15 million, and Balochistan with 2.58 million.

Officials said contributions from other regions also added to the national tally.

Authorities warned that without sustained vaccination efforts, particularly in displaced and high-risk populations, children in the merged districts remain vulnerable to polio, The Express Tribune reported.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the overall numbers vaccinated are impressive, the gaps in merged districts and Sindh are worrying. Security challenges are real, but the "parental refusals" part is concerning. We faced similar misinformation campaigns during our own polio drives years ago. Education is key. Hope they can reach every child soon. 🙏
A
Aman W
India was declared polio-free in 2014 after a massive, relentless effort. It took incredible coordination between health workers, local leaders, and communities, especially in difficult areas. Pakistan's health authorities need to find a way to replicate that model, focusing on community trust. The displacement issue makes it very hard, though.
S
Sarah B
The funding cuts to WHO are a global problem affecting the most vulnerable. It's short-sighted. A polio outbreak anywhere is a threat everywhere in our interconnected world. The 19 cases in KP this year alone show the virus is circulating. This needs urgent attention.
V
Vikram M
It's a complex situation. On one hand, you have security issues for health workers, which is tragic. On the other, you have families refusing the vaccine even in municipal towns like Qasimabad. The success in Punjab (22.9 million!) shows it can be done with proper will and local administration support. The focus must be on those missed districts.
K
Karthik V
As an Indian, I sincerely hope they succeed in eradicating polio. It's a win for all of humanity. But the article highlights a tough truth – without stability and addressing the root causes of displacement, health goals will remain out of reach. The children shouldn't pay the price for political and security failures.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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