Balochistan has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against polio, with new environmental surveillance data showing a sharp decline in poliovirus circulation — raising fresh hopes for eradication in the province.
According to health officials, environmental surveillance data released in December 2025 shows an 87 percentage-point reduction in positive poliovirus samples compared to the same period last year. While 95.7 per cent of surveillance sites (22 out of 23) tested positive in December 2024, only 8.7 per cent (2 out of 23 sites) tested positive in December 2025.
Authorities confirmed that no evidence of local poliovirus transmission was found in Balochistan. All detected virus samples were traced to imported cases from outside the province, according to the report.
No Polio Case Reported in Balochistan in 2025
Encouragingly, no polio case has been reported in Balochistan in 2025, a stark contrast to around 27 cases recorded in 2024. However, the virus remains active elsewhere in the country, with 31 polio cases reported across Pakistan in 2025, health officials said.
Vaccination Campaigns Credited for Progress
Health authorities attributed the improvement to six province-wide polio vaccination campaigns and two fractional Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (fIPV) campaigns conducted across Balochistan during the year.
Inam-ul-Haque, coordinator of the Emergency Operations Centre Balochistan, said the results reflect sustained efforts and community cooperation.
“This improvement is the result of quality vaccination campaigns and proper monitoring at every level,” he said. “We have also carried out awareness initiatives such as the Immunity Express and puppet shows across Balochistan to educate communities about the importance of polio vaccination.”
Frontline Workers Praised
Inam-ul-Haque paid tribute to frontline workers, calling them the backbone of the polio eradication programme.
“Our frontline workers have performed exceptionally — in snow, floods, and extreme heat. Without their dedication and commitment, these results would not have been possible in Balochistan,” he added.
Vigilance Still Required
Despite the progress, health officials cautioned that the fight against polio is not over.
“The virus is still active in Pakistan, and this remains a serious threat,” the coordinator warned. “Continued vigilance is essential to prevent reintroduction.”
He also stressed the role of religious leaders, including ulema and scholars, in building trust and spreading awareness about vaccination in communities.
Health authorities said the latest data proves that polio eradication in Balochistan is achievable, provided high-quality campaigns, strict monitoring, and community participation continue. They urged sustained efforts to keep the province polio-free and to prevent any resurgence caused by imported cases.
