As robust poliovirus surveillance continues in Pakistan, 28 environmental (sewage) samples collected from 22 districts between February 21 and March 6, were tested at the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health during the past week.
The lab confirmed detection of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in sewage samples of Chaman, Islamabad, South Waziristan Lower, South Waziristan Upper, Lahore, DG Khan, Badin, Dadu, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Kambar, Karachi East, Karachi Central, Karachi Keamari, Karachi West, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sujawal, and Sukkur.
While the samples from Zhob, Sialkot, Multan, and Rahim Yar Khan were tested negative for poliovirus.
Pakistan’s polio surveillance is among the world’s best, with the largest and most sensitive detection system. The program has expanded its environmental surveillance sites from 65 in 2021 to 127 in 2025. Its efficiency in detecting poliovirus in sewage and cases ensures no transmission goes unnoticed, even in remote areas.
