ISLAMABAD: Three environmental samples collected from cities in Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been found positive for poliovirus.

According to sources in Pakistan’s National Polio Laboratory at the National Institute of Health (NIH), Type-1 Wild Poliovirus (WPV1) was detected in sewage samples collected from Hub, Lahore and Peshawar.

“The genome sequencing of the virus, found in samples collected from Peshawar and Hub, showed that it belonged to Afghanistan. However, the process of genome sequencing of the sample, collected from Lahore, is yet to be completed,” an NIH lab official said.

He added that sewage samples collected from an area are a basic parameter to determine the success of polio campaigns. The virus’ presence in sewage also shows that the immunity level of children in the area has fallen, and they are at risk of catching the disease.

Caretaker Minister of Health Dr Nadeem Jan has expressed concerns over the detection of the virus in environmental samples and ordered all efforts to protect children from the crippling disease.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2023

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...