ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Health in Pakistan announced on Sunday that the poliovirus has been confirmed in environmental samples collected from three districts of the country. According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, the virus was detected in samples from Hub and Peshawar.
The spokesperson mentioned that genetic testing of the virus found in the sample from Lahore is currently underway. Additionally, it was revealed that the virus is genetically linked to the strain found in neighboring Afghanistan.
The continuous confirmation of the poliovirus in environmental samples has raised concerns within the Ministry of Health. In response to the situation, Minister for Health Dr. Nadeem Jan emphasized the need for more campaigns to ensure the safety of children against the virus. He noted that Pakistan has already organized several polio campaigns this year.
Dr. Nadeem Jan stressed that actively participating in the anti-polio campaign is a national duty for all citizens. He further explained that the government is implementing comprehensive measures to eradicate polio and called upon parents to ensure their children receive polio drops during every campaign.
