MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): In a recent development, the environmental sewage samples of Azad Kashmir have confirmed the presence of poliovirus alerting the health ministries in the region.
According to the sewage sample results, Poliovirus has been detected in 21 districts across the country. The latest detection suggests a total of 47 positive polio sewage samples have been identified till now in the year 2025.
Additionally, authorities have found the presence of Wild Polio Virus Type 1 (WPV1) in these environmental samples, which were collected between January 8 and January 23 from different sewer lines of target communities.
The affected areas involve eight districts of Balochistan, such as Dera Bugti, Hub, and Khuzdar, and six districts of Punjab, including Lahore and Multan.
Furthermore, four districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Peshawar and Charsadda, and Karachi East of Sindh also tested positive for poliovirus within its sewage.
However, only one case of poliovirus infection has been reported up until now in the country in 2025.
But to halt any upward surge in infections, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched a nationwide anti-polio campaign to provide polio drops to children under five.
The first phase of the anti-polio drive was operated from February 03 to 05. During the anti-polio drive the government reiterated its commitment to eradicate the polio disease from the country.
why anti-polio drive?
Polio is a paralyzing disease with no cure. Multiple doses of oral polio vaccine are essential for all children under five years of age and the completion of the daily vaccination schedule to ensure children have high immunity against the disease.
Vaccines are delivered to children’s doors each year, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is providing free vaccinations against 12 childhood diseases in the country’s hospitals.
Pakistan is one of the few countries around the globe where poliovirus is still active. The country has made significant efforts to overcome the disease but still, a lot needs to be done.
In 2019, Pakistan reported 147 cases while in 2020, Pakistan reported 84 such cases. It was in 2021 when Pakistan reported only one case, while in 2022, Pakistan reported 20 cases, and six cases in 2023.
Parents must ensure that their children receive the vaccination for the safety of their children against the disease.
