The polio virus is present in environmental samples collected from 20 districts across Pakistan, as confirmed by the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) Regional Anti-Polio Laboratory.
The findings highlight ongoing concerns about the spread of the virus in various regions.
The following districts have confirmed the presence of the polio virus in sewage samples:
- Islamabad
- Rawalpindi
- Attock
- Lahore
- Mianwali
- Hyderabad
- Jamshoro
- Qambar
- Pashin
- Lakki Marwat
- Mirpurkhas
- Karachi Central
- Karachi South
- Karachi East
- Karachi Korangi
- Quetta
- Noshki
- Zhob
- Peshawar
- Dera Ismail Khan
In response to these findings, the countrywide anti-polio campaign continues, with a target to immunize 4.5 million children across Pakistan. Officials are urging parents to ensure that their children receive the polio vaccine to help combat the spread of the virus and protect public health.
Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria are the only three countries in the world where polio cases are still reported every year despite tireless efforts of the world community to eliminate the virus from the earth.
