Poliovirus found in environmental samples from 20 districts

Environmental samples collected from 20 districts in Pakistan have tested positive for poliovirus, according to officials from the National Institute of Health's Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication. A total of 60 sewage samples were gathered from 51 districts and tested for the virus.

Out of the 60 samples, 35 from 31 districts tested negative for the poliovirus, while 25 samples were positive. The findings indicate a decline in virus circulation in many areas, with a reduced number of positive samples.

The laboratory confirmed the presence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in sewage samples from various districts, including Dukki, Kech, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Loralai, Nasirabad, Pishin, Quetta, Usta Muhammad, Bannu, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, Peshawar, South Waziristan Lower, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, DG Khan, Lahore, Multan, and Rahim Yar Khan.

On the other hand, samples collected from Muzaffarabad, Diamir, Gilgit, Barkhan, Kila Saifullah, Mastung, Quetta, Sibi, Hub, Nushki, Islamabad, Abbottabad, Bajour, Battagram, DI Khan, Lower Dir, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Swat, North Waziristan, Attock, Bahawalpur, Gujrat, Jhang, Khanewal, Mianwali, Rawalpindi, Sahiwal, and Sargodha tested negative.

The government has intensified efforts to eradicate polio through vaccination, with the latest statistics showing a decline in polio cases from 74 in 2024 to just six cases in 2025.

A nationwide vaccination campaign is scheduled from April 21 to 27, 2025, with the goal of vaccinating 45.4 million children under the age of five.