Sixth polio case of year reported in Pakistan from Khyber

A seven-year-old boy from Khyber district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has tested positive for poliovirus, marking the sixth case reported in Pakistan this year, according to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC).

The affected child is a resident of Ghundi-A Union Council in Jamrud tehsil, the NEOC said.

Five of the six polio cases reported in Pakistan this year have been detected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The NEOC said poliovirus transmission remains active in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with Khyber, Peshawar and southern districts of the province identified as high-risk areas.

Following the detection of the latest case, authorities have decided to further strengthen vaccination efforts in Khyber district.

Preparations are also underway for polio vaccination campaigns using both oral and injectable vaccines in high-risk areas, according to the NEOC.

Authorities urged parents to ensure their children receive all recommended doses of the polio vaccine to help prevent the spread of the virus and eradicate the disease.