Pakistan Declares 20 Districts Polio Positive

News Desk

Islamabad: The National Institute of Health’s Regional Anti-Polio Laboratory has confirmed the presence of the poliovirus in environmental samples from 20 districts in Pakistan.

The virus was detected in sewage samples from major cities, including Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Dera Ismail Khan, Attock, Mianwali, Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Qambar, Pishin, Lakki Marwat, and Mirpurkhas. Karachi’s Central, South, East, and Korangi districts were also affected, alongside areas in Quetta, Nushki, and Zhob.

Samples collected from 26 locations across these districts tested positive for wild poliovirus type WPV1. Health experts warn that this poses a significant risk to children under five nationwide. Currently, Pakistan has a total of 74 districts impacted by the poliovirus, with 20 classified as infected with the WPV1 strain.

To counter the spread, a nationwide anti-polio campaign has been underway since October 28, aiming to vaccinate approximately 4.5 million children.

Polio officials have urged parents to ensure their children receive two drops of the polio vaccine during this campaign.

Lahore Polio Workers Protest

Meanwhile, in Lahore, polio workers staged a protest on Ferozepur Road, demanding justice after being assaulted by local assailants in the Kahna area.

The incident involved a group attacking polio workers, including a policeman, in Ward No. 8, Kahna. Local police have been criticized for their delayed response, with common citizens stepping in to de-escalate the confrontation.