Lahore: Punjab has reported 11 positive sewage samples for poliovirus, raising concern among health officials as the virus continues to circulate in some areas.
New data from the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) shows the province collected 31 samples, with 20 negative and 11 positive. Officials say the positive results show that polio is still present in high-risk neighbourhoods and needs continued attention.
A senior official at the Punjab Emergency Operations Centre warned that the province “cannot afford any complacency,” stressing that strong vaccination coverage must continue.
Pakistan carried out its fourth nationwide polio campaign in October, vaccinating more than 45 million children, including millions in Punjab. Health teams also gave Vitamin A and focused on areas that repeatedly show positive samples, especially parts of Lahore.
Because Lahore continues to detect the virus, a special FIPV vaccination drive was held from November 3 to 12 in selected union councils. Mobile teams, clinics, and transit points were used to reach as many children as possible.
Punjab is now preparing for a dual vaccination campaign from November 17 to 29, combining Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccine with polio drops in 89 districts. Schools, health units, and community centres will help reach children aged six months to five years.
Officials urge parents to complete their children’s routine immunisation, which is free at government facilities. They say repeated polio doses are necessary to protect children, especially in crowded urban areas where the virus spreads easily.