Wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) has been detected in sewage samples from 17 districts in Pakistan, raising alarms about the ongoing battle against this dangerous virus. The discovery was made by the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at Pakistan’s National Institute of Health.
The districts where the virus was found include Islamabad, Lasbela, Khuzdar, Quetta, Killa Saifullah, D.G. Khan, Barkhan, Sibi, Dukki, Mastung, Lakki Marwat, Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, Noshki, Kech, Rahim Yar Khan, and Lahore. These findings are significant because they indicate the virus is circulating in the environment, increasing the risk of children contracting polio.
An official from the laboratory explained that detecting the virus in sewage water is a critical way to assess the success of polio vaccination campaigns. However, the presence of the virus in these samples highlights the urgent need to strengthen immunization efforts across the country.
In 2024, Pakistan’s polio eradication campaign aimed to vaccinate over 36 million children. While 98% of the target was achieved, over 1.1 million children were left unvaccinated. Of these, 739,201 children were unavailable during the campaign, while 71,330 parents refused vaccination for their children.
The consequences of these gaps are serious. Children who miss their polio vaccines are at higher risk of paralysis caused by the virus. The detection of WPV1 in sewage serves as a reminder that polio remains a threat and that even small gaps in immunization coverage can have significant impacts.
Experts emphasize the importance of continuing efforts to vaccinate every child and address the challenges posed by vaccine refusals and logistical hurdles. Protecting children from polio requires collective action, including awareness campaigns to educate parents about the safety and necessity of vaccines.
As Pakistan faces this ongoing challenge, health authorities are urging everyone to support vaccination drives. With a united effort, the country can work toward eliminating polio and ensuring a healthier future for all children.
Read Also: First Polio Case of 2025 Found in Pakistan in 13 Month Old Girl!
