• As robust poliovirus surveillance continues in Pakistan, nine environmental (sewage) samples collected from nine districts between May 8 and May 23 were tested at the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health Islamabad.
  • Two samples tested negative with no poliovirus found, while seven samples tested positive.
  • Negative Samples: Samples collected from Pishin and Lahore tested negative with no poliovirus detected.
  • Positive Samples: The lab confirmed detection of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in sewage samples from Gwadar, Quetta, South Waziristan Lower, South Waziristan Upper, Rawalpindi, Larkana, and Mirpur Khas.
  • The Programme is implementing a rigorous vaccination schedule to protect children from paralytic polio and interrupt virus transmission. Thanks to high-quality campaigns since September 2024, polio cases and positive environmental samples nationwide have declined.
  • In 2025, the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme has conducted three nationwide campaigns—in February, April, and May—reaching over 45 million children with the support of over 400,000 frontline workers, including 225,000 female vaccinators. This progress reflects the strong coordination among all partners and the trust of parents and communities across the country. However, the challenges in some areas including South KP continue to hinder full coverage.
  • The programme urges all parents to vaccinate their children against polio every time the vaccine is offered. In addition, the government is providing free routine immunization for children up to fifteen months of age to strengthen their immunity. Routine immunization and repeated polio vaccination boosts children's immunity and protects them from the crippling poliovirus.
  • It is the prime responsibility of parents and community members to ensure that no child in their homes or neighbourhoods is left unvaccinated. Every missed child is at risk and can contribute to the continued spread of the poliovirus. Protecting children from polio is a shared duty and begins with timely vaccination.
  • If you have any questions about polio or routine immunization, call the Sehat Tahaffuz Helpline at 1166 or send a message on WhatsApp at 0346-7776546.