Big progress against Polio in Pakistan raises new hope for families
The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) said the rate of positive polio virus detection in environmental samples fell to 13.1 percent during the first six months of 2026. This shows a clear improvement compared to the same period last year and reflects the impact of ongoing vaccination campaigns.
According to the NEOC, 127 environmental samples were collected across the country in June 2026. Of these, 117 tested negative, while the polio virus was detected in only 10 samples.
The six-month comparison also showed encouraging progress. Positive environmental samples dropped from 369 to 100, indicating that the virus's spread has declined in many parts of Pakistan.
Punjab recorded the best result, with all 31 environmental samples testing negative for the polio virus. In Sindh, 28 out of 29 samples were negative. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 30 negative samples out of 34, while Balochistan recorded 18 negative samples out of 23.
The NEOC also confirmed that only three polio cases have been reported in Pakistan so far in 2026. Officials said efforts to eliminate the disease are being strengthened by improving vaccination coverage and making sure every child has access to the polio vaccine.
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Parents and religious scholars have been urged to support the national polio eradication campaign. The NEOC also praised polio workers, calling them national heroes and encouraging people to welcome and respect them for their important role.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif repeated his government’s commitment to eliminate polio from Pakistan. During a meeting in Islamabad with Gates Foundation President for Global Development Dr. Chris Elias, the prime minister said the government is following a comprehensive strategy and taking practical steps with a dedicated team.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also thanked Bill Gates and Saudi Arabia for their continued support in Pakistan’s fight against polio. He said that although the country has made significant progress, emergency efforts are still needed. He added that the federal government is working closely with provincial governments to ensure polio teams can reach every area of the country.
