• 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 18 already infected districts.
  • As of 22 November 2024, sewage samples collected from Chaman, Pishin, Quetta, Loralai, Zhob, Badin, Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Kambar, Sukkur, Sujawal, Karachi East, Karachi Keamari, Karachi South, Karachi Central, Karachi West, Dadu and Lahore between October 31 and November 6 tested positive for WPV1.
  • This year, 52 polio cases have been reported. The wider spread of poliovirus means children across the country are at continued risk from a paralyzing disease.
  • Polio is incurable, yet entirely preventable with the help of multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine that the Polio Programme brings to children at their doorsteps multiple times a year.
  • It is critical for parents and caregivers to ensure that their children under the age of five receive two drops of the oral polio vaccine whenever a vaccinator knocks on their door to protect children against polio’s debilitating effects.