ISLAMABAD: Poliovirus has been detected in sewage samples from four districts: Tando Allah Yar, Khairpur, Tando Muhammad Khan, and Lakki Marwat.
According to reports, environmental samples collected in December 2024 confirmed the presence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in these areas.
This development highlights Pakistan’s ongoing struggle with polio eradication. In 2024, the country reported 73 polio cases, with the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH) confirming the latest case.
The lab identified a polio case in a female child from Dera Ismail Khan, with onset on December 31, 2024. D.I. Khan alone reported 11 polio cases last year.
Overall, Pakistan faced a significant resurgence of WPV1 in 2024, with 72 cases distributed as follows: 27 in Balochistan, 22 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 21 in Sindh, and one each in Punjab and Islamabad.
About Polio
Polio is a crippling disease with no cure. High immunity against the virus can only be achieved through multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completing routine vaccinations for children under five.
The Pakistan Polio Program regularly conducts mass vaccination drives to immunize children, delivering vaccines directly to households. Additionally, the Expanded Program on Immunization provides free vacISLAMABAD: Poliovirus has been detected in sewage samples from four districts: Tando Allah Yar, Khairpur, Tando Muhammad Khan, and Lakki Marwat.
According to reports, environmental samples collected in December 2024 confirmed the presence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in these areas.
This development highlights Pakistan’s ongoing struggle with polio eradication. In 2024, the country reported 73 polio cases, with the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH) confirming the latest case.
The lab identified a polio case in a female child from Dera Ismail Khan, with onset on December 31, 2024. D.I. Khan alone reported 11 polio cases last year.
Overall, Pakistan faced a significant resurgence of WPV1 in 2024, with 72 cases distributed as follows: 27 in Balochistan, 22 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 21 in Sindh, and one each in Punjab and Islamabad.
About Polio
Polio is a crippling disease with no cure. High immunity against the virus can only be achieved through multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completing routine vaccinations for children under five.
The Pakistan Polio Program regularly conducts mass vaccination drives to immunize children, delivering vaccines directly to households. Additionally, the Expanded Program on Immunization provides free vaccinations against 12 childhood diseases at health facilities.
The first nationwide polio vaccination campaign of 2025 is scheduled to run from February 3 to February 9. Parents are urged to ensure all children under five receive the vaccine to stay protected.
Read More: Another polio case reported in Pakistancinations against 12 childhood diseases at health facilities.
The first nationwide polio vaccination campaign of 2025 is scheduled to run from February 3 to February 9. Parents are urged to ensure all children under five receive the vaccine to stay protected.
