As robust poliovirus surveillance continues in Pakistan, 15 environmental (sewage) samples collected from 14 districts between February 17 and February 26 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 Multan, Bahawalpur, Lahore, DG Khan, Kasur, Dera Bugti, Lasbela, Quetta, Sibi, South Waziristan Lower, Charsadda and Swabi.
While the samples from DI Khan, South Waziristan Lower and North Waziristan 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.
