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Pakistan

Sewage Samples Test Positive for Poliovirus from 8 Districts

  • In the past week, the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed the detection of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in environmental samples collected from 8 districts between January 15 – 24, 2025.
  • As of February 14, 2025, sewage samples collected from Kech, Sibi, Barkhan, Quetta, Gawadar, Bannu, DI Khan and South Waziristan Lower have tested positive for WPV1.
  • Polio is a paralyzing disease that has no cure. Multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine in every campaign and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five is essential to provide children high immunity against this terrible disease.
  • To stop the transmission of Poliovirus, the Pakistan Polio Program conducts mass vaccination drives, bringing the vaccine to children at their doorsteps, while the Expanded Program on Immunization provides vaccinations against 12 childhood disease free of charge at health facilities.
  • The first nationwide polio campaign of 2025 has been successfully concluded, with 99% of the targets achieved across the country. The campaign was conducted from February 3 to 9, 2025.
  • During this campaign, more than 45 million children were administered the polio vaccine.
  • In every campaign, the program ensures that children under five years receive polio drops, to protect them from the crippling effects of the polio virus.