ISLAMABAD: The polio virus has been confirmed in 40 sewage samples across the country. Out of a total of 127 sewage samples sent to the National Institute of Health for laboratory testing, 40 tested positive for the polio virus, while 87 were negative.
In the federal capital, Islamabad, there were 4 negative and 1 positive sample reported. The province of Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal recorded the highest number of positive results, with 23 samples confirmed.
Additionally, 6 sewage samples from Punjab tested positive for the polio virus, and 8 samples from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also confirmed its presence.
In Balochistan, two samples were found to contain the virus, while samples from Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan were found to be polio-free.
The first national polio campaign of 2026 is scheduled to be held across the country from February 2 to 8, as confirmed by the National Emergency Operation Center (EOC).
During this campaign, over 45 million children are expected to be vaccinated against polio, with more than 400,000 polio workers set to carry out their duties during the seven-day initiative.
Read also: Polio case from North Waziristan brings Tally to 31
