Significant Progress in Polio Eradication in Balochistan with 98% Decline in Virus Presence

Quetta:Balochistan has made significant strides in the fight against polio, with the rate of polio virus presence in environmental samples dropping from 98% to just 17%. No new cases have been reported in 2025 so far, according to the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) Balochistan. The province has seen remarkable progress in efforts to stop the spread of the polio virus by June 2025.

In the first half of the year, polio virus presence was confirmed in only 4 out of 23 environmental monitoring areas, resulting in a dramatic reduction in the rate of positive environmental samples to 17%. This improvement is attributed to effective surveillance, timely actions, and coordinated strategies, reflecting the successful public health initiatives in Balochistan.

In contrast, in 2024, polio virus presence was reported in all 23 environmental surveillance centers in the province. During the first half of 2024, environmental samples showed 72% positivity, which surged to 98% in the second half. In September 2024, the intensity of the virus peaked with 95% positive samples and the confirmation of five cases.

When compared to other provinces, Sindh reported a rise in positive environmental samples, from 70% in 2024 to 84% in 2025, with Karachi’s rate increasing from 90% to 94%. In June 2025 alone, 83% of the samples from Karachi were found to be positive. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 22 polio cases in 2024, with 8 cases confirmed in 2025, most of which are from the southern regions. Sindh saw 4 new cases in 2025, following 23 cases in 2024. Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan each reported one case.

However, Balochistan remains polio-free in 2025, marking a significant achievement in the battle against the virus. This success is attributed to a robust strategy, routine and supplementary vaccination campaigns, strong field teams, and the commitment of government leadership and partner organizations.

According to Inam-ul-Haq, the coordinator of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Balochistan, this progress is a testament to the dedication and hard work of frontline vaccinators, local political, tribal, and religious leaders. Religious scholars have played a key role by emphasizing the importance of vaccination during Friday sermons and community gatherings. The media has effectively countered misconceptions and highlighted credible voices, while technical institutions have provided essential support. The provincial government and district administration ensured effective planning, resource allocation, and monitoring of vaccination campaigns.

Inam-ul-Haq further noted that while the virus presence in environmental samples is decreasing, the virus is still present and could resurge if vigilance is not maintained. He stated, “This progress in Balochistan proves that through unity, consistency, and public trust, we are collectively achieving major successes in the field of health.”