Why polio cases are reported in Pakistan even in 2026?

Polio virus is one of the oldest viruses in the world. This virus existed about 350,000 years ago, where many cases of it were reported. Ancient Egyptian paintings and archaeological evidence prove that this virus was found to some extent among the Egyptians. In the twentieth century, its highly effective vaccine was developed and in 1988, the mission to eradicate polio began worldwide. At present, there are only two countries in the world, Pakistan and Afghanistan, where polio cases are still reported today, and only these countries are not able to obtain a certificate of being polio-free.

My experience as a polio worker was like this.

Because polio is given to children in the form of drops, many parents hesitate to give their children polio drops for fear that their children will get sick, although this is a misconception.

Many parents do not administer polio drops to their children because they think it may be a conspiracy by their enemies to genocide their children.

Many families do not administer polio drops because very few cases of polio are reported around them and therefore they do not consider it necessary to get polio vaccination.

But whatever the reason, this virus exists in Pakistan and shows a sign of people's lack of knowledge. Educated and sensible parents and families get their children vaccinated against polio as a matter of responsibility and duty. But in reality, in a society where religious misconceptions have had a deep impact, improvement is slow. The government of Pakistan is fulfilling its responsibility. Polio camps are organized several times a year in homes, schools, hospitals and public places, where polio teams are strictly instructed that no child should remain without polio vaccination.