Pakistan Reports Decline in Positive Polio Samples

In a promising development for public health, Pakistan has recorded a notable decrease in the number of positive polio samples collected from across the country. The latest report from the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) highlights progress in environmental surveillance and immunization efforts.

Fewer Positive Samples Detected

Out of 127 sewage samples collected from 87 districts, only 42 tested positive for the poliovirus. A majority—75 samples—were polio-free, while results for 10 samples are still pending. This marks a significant improvement in the country’s fight against polio.

Provincial Breakdown of Results

The NEOC report offers a detailed look at how different regions are performing:

• Balochistan: 22 out of 23 samples were negative
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): 24 samples were virus-free, 7 tested positive
• Punjab: 15 negative, 12 positive
• Sindh: 10 negative, 19 positive
• Islamabad: 1 negative, 3 virus-free samples
• AJK & Gilgit-Baltistan: All samples tested negative

These results reflect varying levels of success across provinces, with Balochistan and the northern regions showing strong progress.

Surveillance and Testing Efforts

All samples were analyzed at the Polio Regional Laboratory of the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad. This facility plays a critical role in detecting poliovirus circulation through environmental surveillance, helping authorities respond quickly to emerging threats.

Rising Concern in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Despite the overall decline, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains a hotspot for polio. Of the 19 confirmed cases in 2025, more than 60% originated from KP. This points to persistent challenges in immunization coverage, accessibility, and public awareness in the region.

Strengthening the Fight Against Polio

The drop in positive samples is a hopeful sign, but experts caution that sustained efforts are essential. Continued vaccination drives, public education campaigns, and robust surveillance systems are key to eradicating polio nationwide.