Poliovirus has been detected in environmental samples collected from across all four provinces of Pakistan, marking the first such occurrence in 2025, ARY News reported, citing sources.
According to sources, sewage samples collected between January 6 and 15 tested positive for poliovirus in 26 districts. Among the affected regions, 15 districts are in Sindh, 5 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and 3 each in Balochistan and Punjab.
The presence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in sewage is a serious concern, as it indicates the virus is circulating in the environment.
In response to the ongoing polio threat, Pakistan is set to launch its first nationwide polio eradication campaign of 2025 from February 3 to 9. The drive aims to vaccinate over 4.54 million children across the country.
According to sources within the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), the campaign will be carried out in two phases:
In 2024, Pakistan reported 73 polio cases and over 480 polio-positive environmental samples, underscoring the urgent need for consistent and widespread vaccination efforts.
Polio is a highly contagious disease that causes paralysis and has no cure. The only protection is through multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine immunization schedule for all children under five years of age.
The Pakistan Polio Program conducts multiple mass vaccination drives annually, bringing vaccines directly to children’s doorsteps. Additionally, the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) provides free vaccines against 12 childhood diseases at government health facilities.
Health officials are urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive polio drops during the upcoming February 3-9 campaign, helping protect them from this life-threatening disease.