The Federal Ministry of Health confirmed on Wednesday the presence of poliovirus in environmental samples across six districts of the country.
This development underscores the persistent challenge posed by the crippling disease despite concerted efforts to eradicate it.
According to data disclosed by the Ministry of National Health, the poliovirus has been identified in samples collected from Quetta, Chaman, Peshawar, Korangi district of Karachi, Karachi South, and Mastung.
This year alone, Pakistan has recorded a total of 65 positive environmental samples, all tracing back to the virus originating from across the border.
In response to this alarming development, the federal government has taken decisive action, announcing a special anti-polio campaign slated to commence from March 25 to March 28 in three provinces.
This campaign aims to target districts with positive sewage samples, underscoring a proactive approach in containment and prevention.
As part of this initiative, a robust vaccination drive is planned, targeting over 82 lakh children against polio in 26 districts. Notably, special polio campaigns will be executed in 11 districts of Balochistan, 8 districts of Sindh, and 7 districts of Punjab, reflecting a concerted effort to confront the threat at its focal points.
The Ministry of National Health reiterates the critical importance of parental cooperation in ensuring children receive the polio vaccine during every campaign.
