ISLAMABAD: Pakistan may soon become the only country in the world still reporting cases of poliovirus, warned Health Minister Mustafa Kamal while addressing the Senate. He highlighted that, unlike in Pakistan, Afghanistan is now conducting widespread and largely unopposed polio vaccination campaigns—even in regions previously considered difficult.
Responding to a calling-attention notice raised by Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan, Minister Kamal painted a concerning picture of the state of Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts. “There’s a misconception that Afghanistan faces resistance to polio vaccination, but except for Kandahar, there is a robust door-to-door campaign across the country,” he said. In Kandahar, he noted, religious leaders use mosque loudspeakers to encourage parents to bring their children for vaccination at the mosques themselves.
In contrast, Kamal expressed concern over persistent vaccine hesitancy in Pakistan. He revealed that of the 14 polio cases reported so far this year, five emerged in Bannu district—an area where several families refused to vaccinate their children.
Senator Abdul Shakoor Khan underscored the role of religious and community leaders in overcoming societal resistance. He called for their involvement to dispel myths and promote accurate information about the polio vaccine, which has long been subject to conspiracy theories in parts of Pakistan.
Kamal acknowledged that both Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only two polio-endemic countries globally, but added that Afghanistan’s success in implementing consistent campaigns has put Pakistan at greater risk of becoming isolated in the fight against the disease.
Providing a brief history, the minister recalled that Pakistan once made significant strides toward eradicating polio. In the early 2000s, the country saw a dramatic decline in cases, but progress stalled due to a resurgence of misinformation, extremist propaganda, and security threats to health workers—especially in tribal and remote regions. At the peak of the crisis, vaccination teams were attacked, and several workers lost their lives in targeted violence.
In a shift from previous tactics, the minister said that the government has moved away from relying on police to enforce polio vaccinations. “We’re now engaging local influencers and respected community figures to advocate for immunization,” he said. “Using force only increased mistrust. We need to win hearts and minds to protect our children.”
In 2023, Pakistan reported 79 polio cases. So far in 2025, the number stands at 14. However, health experts warn that the presence of even a single case indicates ongoing transmission and threatens eradication efforts worldwide.
With renewed urgency, Kamal called for national unity in the fight against polio.
“This is a battle we can’t afford to lose. The world is watching, and our children are depending on us,” he added.