Islamabad: A new polio case in Bannu has highlighted the gap between Pakistan’s large vaccination campaigns and the challenge of reaching every vulnerable child, while international travellers continue to face vaccination documentation requirements.
A 17 month old girl in Bannu district tested positive for poliovirus, taking the national tally for 2026 to five. Four cases have been detected in Bannu division and one in Sindh.
The confirmation followed a campaign that ended on September 27, during which more than 28.2 million children received polio vaccines. Security problems remain a barrier in Bannu, where experts have reported disruptions to campaigns and the kidnapping of vaccination workers.
For travellers, the consequences extend beyond childhood immunisation. WHO recommendations require residents and visitors who spend more than four weeks in Pakistan, of all ages, to receive a documented polio vaccine dose between four weeks and 12 months before international departure.
Someone vaccinated only in childhood therefore still needs a recent dose for travel. Those travelling urgently within four weeks should receive it by departure if they lack a qualifying recent vaccination.
WHO also recommends restricting departure for residents without appropriate vaccination documents. These are longstanding measures intended to prevent international spread, rather than new restrictions triggered by the latest case.
