Synopsis
Poliovirus has been found in sewage samples from 20 districts in Pakistan, revealing the presence of wild poliovirus type 1. The Pakistan Polio Eradication Program reports a decline in positive samples, attributed to improved vaccination efforts. A nationwide anti-polio campaign is set to begin on April 21, targeting millions of children.Key Takeaways
- Poliovirus detected in 20 districts in Pakistan.
- Environmental samples show a decline in positive results.
- New polio vaccination campaign starts on April 21.
- 45.4 million children targeted for vaccination.
- Only six polio cases reported in 2025 so far.
Islamabad, April 13 (NationPress) Poliovirus has been identified in sewage samples from 20 districts throughout Pakistan, as per findings from the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH).
In a statement released on Sunday, the Pakistan Polio Eradication Program noted that environmental samples collected between March 5 and March 19 confirmed the existence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in various regions, according to Xinhua news agency.
"A total of 60 environmental samples were gathered from 51 districts during this timeframe. Out of these, 25 samples came back positive for poliovirus, while 35 were found negative," the statement explained.
The announcement emphasized that although the detection of poliovirus in sewage is troubling, the quantity of positive samples has decreased, showcasing a reduction in virus circulation in numerous areas.
Samples confirming the presence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) originated from districts such as Dukki, Kech, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Loralai, Nasirabad, Pishin, Quetta, Usta Muhammad, Bannu, Kohat, Lakki Marwat, Peshawar, South Waziristan Lower, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Lahore, Multan, and Rahim Yar Khan.
In contrast, samples from cities like Islamabad, Gilgit, Rawalpindi, Swat, Sahiwal, Nowshera, and others returned negative, indicating effective control measures in several locations.
"The trend indicates a reduction in positive samples and a decrease in virus circulation in many areas," stated an NIH official.
A new nationwide polio campaign is scheduled to commence on April 21, aiming to reach 45.4 million children under five years of age. Authorities have urged parents to ensure their children receive the vaccine whenever it is available.
"Frequent vaccination enhances immunity and aids in halting the spread," the official remarked.
"No child should be overlooked — safeguarding them from polio is a shared responsibility."
Pakistan has recorded only six polio cases thus far in 2025, a significant drop from 74 in 2024. Officials attribute this improvement to enhanced immunization efforts initiated since September of the previous year.
According to the program, Pakistan has documented six new poliovirus cases since the beginning of 2025.
The forthcoming nationwide anti-polio campaign is set to occur from April 21 to April 27, with the goal of vaccinating over 45 million children under the age of five across the nation.
