Polio detected in 5 Pakistani cities
Polio virus has been detected in sewerage samples from five cities in Pakistan, including Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Chaman, and Mastung. The National Institute of Health (NIH) compiled a technical report indicating the presence of the virus in nine sewerage samples collected from February 21 to 27.
In Karachi, the virus was found in the sewerage of South and Korangi areas, while in Peshawar, it was detected in Shaheen Muslim Town. Quetta’s sewerage in Sir Pul and Taosabad also tested positive for the virus.
This year, Pakistan has reported two polio cases prompting authorities to launch a three-day anti-polio drive starting March 16. The drive aims to immunize 8.2 million children under the age of five in 26 districts, including 11 in Balochistan, eight in Sindh, and seven in Punjab.
The presence of the polio virus in sewerage samples underscores the ongoing challenges in eradicating the disease from Pakistan. Efforts such as vaccination campaigns remain crucial in preventing its spread and protecting children from the debilitating effects of polio.
