• In the past week, the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed the detection of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in environmental samples collected from two new districts and 15 previously infected districts in Pakistan.
  • As of 8 November 2024, sewage samples collected from Gujrat, Multan, Bannu, DI Khan, Tank, Bajaur, Nasirabad, Barkhan, Quetta, Dukki, Dera Bugti, Khuzdar, Sibi, Killa Saifullah, Mastung, Karachi East and Karachi Malir between October 8 and 17 tested positive for WPV1.
  • These are the first WPV1 detections of the year from Bajaur and Gujrat, while the remaining 15 districts have previously reported virus detections in either humans or sewage samples.
  • Polio is entirely preventable with the help of multiple doses of an easily accessible oral polio vaccine.
  • The Pakistan Polio has concluded the first phase of a nationwide polio vaccination campaign that reached 44.9 million children under five with the vaccine. The second phase will begin in six districts of KP – Kurram, Lakki Marwat, Tank, DI Khan, South Waziristan Upper and Lower from 11 to 15 November.
  • It is critical for parents and caregivers to ensure children receive two drops of the oral polio vaccine during this drive and other subsequent campaigns, safeguarding them against polio’s debilitating effects and advancing Pakistan’s efforts toward becoming polio-free.