The last nationwide anti-polio campaign was completed in December ’25 with over 44.6 million children vaccinated across Pakistan
Pakistan has recorded a significant drop in polio cases following stricter regulation of cross-border movement with Afghanistan, marking a major milestone in the country’s eradication efforts.
The decision to regulate unorganized cross-border movement with Afghanistan has emerged as a major factor behind the country’s improved performance against polio by 2025, according to health officials and surveillance data. Authorities say tighter controls on the movement of people and goods across the border have strengthened surveillance systems and reduced opportunities for the virus to spread.
Official figures show that polio cases fell by 59.5% by 2025, with transmission now limited to fewer geographical areas compared to previous years. This containment has enabled vaccination teams to concentrate efforts in high-risk districts and improve both coverage and follow-up among vulnerable populations.
The Pakistan-Afghanistan border has long posed a challenge to polio eradication due to frequent and largely uncontrolled population movements. Afghanistan continues to report circulation of wild poliovirus, and repeated cross-border travel has historically contributed to the reimportation of the virus into Pakistan. Children from mobile families often missed routine immunization and multiple vaccine doses, increasing the risk of continued transmission.
Health officials say better regulation of cross-border movement, along with the repatriation of undocumented Afghan immigrants, has reduced that risk. With more structured border management, vaccination at transit points has improved and mobile populations are now easier to track. This has helped close long-standing gaps in immunization coverage.
In addition, monitoring systems have become more effective as population flows are now better documented. Officials note that environmental sampling and follow-up of suspected cases have improved, allowing for faster detection and response.
Polio is a highly contagious and incurable disease that can cause lifelong paralysis, primarily affecting children under the age of five. Experts stress that while vaccination remains the cornerstone of eradication, Pakistan’s experience in 2025 shows that regulated cross-border movement is a critical public health measure, especially in the final stages of eliminating the virus.
Health authorities emphasize that sustained immunization campaigns, continued vigilance and regional cooperation will be essential to maintain and build on the gains made this year.
The last nationwide anti-polio campaign in 2025 ended last December with more than 44.6 million children vaccinated across Pakistan. According to the National Emergency Operations Center, the campaign achieved its goals nationwide. Official figures released by the National EOC show that approximately 22.9 million children received polio drops in Punjab, while around 10.6 million children were vaccinated in Sindh.
