Pakistan Reports Sharp Decline in Positive Environmental Polio Samples
Pakistan has recorded a significant decline in the detection of poliovirus in environmental samples, reflecting progress in the country’s ongoing polio eradication efforts.
According to the **National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC)**, **127 environmental samples** were collected nationwide in **June 2026**. Of these, **117 samples tested negative** for poliovirus, while **10 samples** were confirmed positive.
The NEOC said that between **January and June 2026**, the number of positive environmental samples dropped from **369 to 100**. In **Punjab**, all **31 environmental samples** tested negative for the virus. In **Sindh**, **28 of 29 samples** were negative, while **30 of 34 samples** in **Khyber Pakhtunkhwa** and **18 of 23 samples** in **Balochistan** also tested negative.
The agency added that **three polio cases** have been confirmed in Pakistan so far in 2026. During the first six months of the year, the national positivity rate of environmental poliovirus samples declined from **48.1% to 13.1%**.
The NEOC said efforts are being intensified to eliminate polio by strengthening environmental surveillance, expanding vaccination coverage, and improving access to immunization services. Authorities urged parents to ensure that every child under the age of five receives polio drops during each nationwide vaccination campaign.
