The National Institute of Health (NIH) has confirmed the detection of Wild Polio Virus Type 1 (WPV1) in environmental samples collected from eight districts of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication confirmed the findings. These were based on sewage samples. The samples were collected from Kech, Sibi, Barkhan, Quetta, Gwadar, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, and South Waziristan Lower.
A laboratory official stated that they detected WPV1 in the sewage samples from these areas. Last week, officials confirmed WPV1 in environmental samples from 21 districts.
In light of the findings, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bhurth, Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Health, urged the Polio Eradication and Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) teams to intensify efforts to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases. He emphasized that combating these diseases is a collective responsibility requiring full commitment, particularly at the provincial and district levels.
Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reported the first polio case of 2025. Badin, Sindh, reported the second case of the year.
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Last year, a total of 74 polio cases were reported across the country. Of these, 27 cases were from Balochistan, 23 from Sindh, 22 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.
The authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and continue their efforts to eradicate polio from the region. They emphasized vaccinating communities, maintaining hygiene, and spreading awareness. These efforts play a crucial role in completely eliminating the virus and preventing its future resurgence.
