Environmental surveillance has detected wild poliovirus in wastewater samples from 20 districts throughout Pakistan, authorities said, although the data suggests a decrease in the general circulation of the virus.
According to the Regional Reference Laboratory for the eradication of polio at the National Institute of Health (NIH), 60 samples of 51 districts were collected.
Of these, 25 tested, while 35 showed no presence of the virus.
The Samples That Confirmmed The Repander of Wild Poliovirus Type 1 (WPV1) Came from Distuding Dukki, Keh, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Lorealai, Nasirabad, Pelhin, Quetta, Usta Muhammad, Bannu, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, Peshawar, South Wazirist Lower, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Lahore, fine, and Rahim Yar Khan.
Meanwhile, samples of cities such as Islamabad, Gilgit, Rawalpindi, Swat, Sahiwal, Nowshera and others tested negative, pointing out the improved control measures in several areas.
“The trend shows a decrease in positive samples and a reduction in virus circulation in many areas,” said a NIH official.
Pakistan has reported only six cases of polyomyelitis so far in 2025, below 74 in 2024. Officials accredit the improved immunization impulses since September last year.
A new polio campaign at the national level will begin on April 21, pointing to 45.4 million children under five years. The authorities have urged parents to make sure their children receive the vaccine every time it is offered.
“Repeated vaccination strengthens immunity and helps stop propagation,” added the official. “No child should be left behind: protecting them from polio is a collective responsibility.”
