Environmental monitoring has found traces of wild poliovirus in sewage from 20 districts across Pakistan, though overall virus activity appears to be decreasing, according to officials.
The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH) analyzed 60 sewage samples collected from 51 districts. Out of these, 25 tested positive for wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), while 35 were clear.
Districts where the virus was detected include 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.
On the other hand, areas like Islamabad, Gilgit, Rawalpindi, Swat, Sahiwal, and Nowshera returned negative results, reflecting progress in containment efforts.
“The trend shows a decline in positive samples and a reduction in virus circulation in many areas,” an NIH official stated.
So far, in 2025, Pakistan has recorded just six polio cases, a significant drop from the 74 cases in 2024.
Officials attribute this progress to more effective immunisation campaigns launched since September last year.
A fresh nationwide polio vaccination drive is scheduled to begin on April 21, aiming to reach 45.4 million children under five years old. Authorities are urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated at every opportunity.
“Repeated vaccination strengthens immunity and helps stop the spread,” the official added. “No child should be left behind; protecting them from polio is a collective responsibility.”