Pakistan Sees Sharp Drop in Positive Polio Samples

Islamabad: (Health Reporter) – Pakistan has reported a notable decline in the detection of poliovirus in environmental samples, marking progress in ongoing efforts to eliminate the disease, according to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC).

The NEOC said that 127 environmental samples were collected nationwide in June 2026. Of these, 117 samples tested negative for poliovirus, while only 10 showed the presence of the virus.

Official data showed that positive environmental detections dropped significantly during the first half of 2026, falling from 369 cases recorded earlier in the year to 100. Punjab reported encouraging results, with all 31 collected samples testing negative. In Sindh, 28 out of 29 samples also showed no traces of poliovirus.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 30 of the 34 samples tested negative, while Balochistan recorded 18 negative results out of 23 collected samples.

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The NEOC confirmed that Pakistan has reported three polio cases so far in 2026. The overall poliovirus positivity rate declined from 48.1 percent during the first six months of the year to 13.1 percent, reflecting improvements in surveillance and vaccination efforts.

Authorities said the decline is linked to stronger environmental monitoring, expanded immunization campaigns, and improved access to children across the country. The government continues to focus on ensuring that every child under five years of age receives essential polio drops during each nationwide vaccination drive.