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Pakistan’s ongoing battle against polio has encountered a significant setback, with more than 60,000 cases of polio vaccine refusal recorded during a nationwide campaign held from April 21 to 27, 2025. The data, cited from official sources and reported by ARY News, underscores the persistent challenge of vaccine hesitancy in one of the world’s last two polio-endemic countries.
Regional Breakdown and Key Figures
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Sindh reported the highest number of refusals, tallying 39,073 cases, with over 37,000 refusals originating from Karachi alone.
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Balochistan documented over 3,500 refusal cases.
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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saw a vaccine refusal rate of 0.4 percent.
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Additional instances of parental refusal were noted in Punjab and Islamabad.
This surge in refusals comes amid confirmation of a new polio case in the country, bringing Pakistan’s total to 13 cases in 2025 so far.
Polio: A Persistent Threat
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children under five, but unvaccinated individuals of any age are at risk. The virus spreads mainly through the faecal-oral route and can lead to paralysis or death. There is no cure for polio; vaccination remains the only effective method of prevention. Multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine are essential to ensure lifelong immunity.
Despite regular national campaigns, areas such as southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continue to pose challenges due to access issues and barriers to house-to-house vaccination, leaving many children unprotected.
Government Response and Public Health Message
Authorities in Sindh, where the majority of refusals were reported, have emphasized the importance of vaccination and the safety of the polio drops. The government has deployed thousands of frontline workers and police personnel to support the campaign and address concerns over vaccine safety and effectiveness.
Officials urge parents and caregivers not to turn away vaccination teams, reiterating that vaccination is the only way to protect children from lifelong paralysis.
“Polio has no cure. Vaccination is the only way to protect our children from lifelong paralysis,” said Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by ARY News and other official sources as of June 2025. Data and circumstances may evolve. For the latest updates and health guidance, please consult official health authorities and the World Health Organization.
