According to statistics from Pakistan’s polio eradication program, the majority of environmental samples collected during the first two months of 2026 did not show the presence of the polio virus.
According to a report by a private news agency, out of 126 environmental samples collected across the country in February, 111 were found negative.
Compared to the first two months of last year, there has been more than a threefold decline in positive environmental samples. During the first two months of 2025, 144 positive samples were reported, while in 2026 this number remained at 39.
During the first two months of last year, six children were paralyzed by polio, while this year only one child has been affected. Improvement has also been observed at the provincial level.
In Balochistan, 11 positive samples were reported compared to 38 in 2025. In Punjab, only one was reported compared to 27, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa six compared to 26, and in Sindh 27 positive samples were reported compared to 50.
The news agency reported that head of the polio program Anwar ul Haq said Pakistan is finally receiving positive news as the virus present in the environment across the country has started to decline. Except for North Waziristan, most areas of Waziristan have been declared polio negative.
However, experts have warned that tensions in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations could cause the virus to spread again. Due to security concerns in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, about 120,000 children are missing vaccination, which could provide an opportunity for the virus to spread.
Experts say the season for polio transmission may begin next month, therefore the program needs to remain vigilant. Due to the lack of a drainage system, it is not possible to collect environmental samples from some areas where the virus could spread again.
