Poliovirus was identified in five districts of Sindh during environmental surveillance conducted in August 2026, with six positive samples recorded in Karachi and Hyderabad, the Sindh Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) confirmed. The virus was detected in Karachi West, Karachi Korangi, Karachi Central, and Karachi South, each reporting one positive sample, while Hyderabad accounted for two positive samples.
In a significant development, the EOC highlighted a marked reduction in poliovirus circulation compared to 2025, noting that recent detections were limited to a few locations. No positive samples were found in Karachi East, Karachi Keamari, Karachi Malir, Ghotki, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Kambar, Larkana, Kashmore, Dadu, Badin, Jamshoro, Sujawal, and Mirpurkhas during this period.
However, the EOC cautioned that a negative environmental sample does not conclusively prove the cessation of poliovirus transmission. Therefore, districts without detections are classified as having “no recent detection” rather than confirmed interruption of transmission.
The Pakistan Polio Programme continues to employ environmental surveillance alongside Acute Flaccid Paralysis () monitoring and vaccination campaigns to track poliovirus activity and enable prompt public health interventions.
Meanwhile, Sindh has launched a comprehensive polio vaccination campaign targeting 2.5 million children under five years of age. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the campaign in Karachi by administering polio drops to children. Over 80,000 workers are participating in the drive, which will run until September 27.
The campaign aims to cover all 30 districts of Sindh through door-to-door vaccination efforts across 1,490 union councils. It will be implemented fully in 23 districts and partially in seven others.
Chief Minister Shah expressed optimism about eradicating poliovirus transmission by the end of 2027, urging parents to cooperate with vaccination teams. He also appealed to religious leaders to support the initiative and encouraged the public to disregard misinformation surrounding polio eradication efforts.
“Achieving a polio-free Sindh and Pakistan is our collective commitment and responsibility,” Shah emphasized.
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