QUETTA: Balochistan has made a significant breakthrough in its campaign against polio, with December 2025 environmental surveillance data showing a sharp decline in poliovirus circulation compared to last year. Health officials hailed the development as a major step toward eradicating the virus in the province.
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The December 2025 report showed that only 8.7 per cent of environmental samples — 2 out of 23 sites — tested positive for poliovirus, a drastic drop from 95.7 per cent of sites testing positive in December 2024. Authorities confirmed that no evidence of local virus transmission was found, with detected viruses traced to importation from outside Balochistan.
Encouragingly, no polio cases were reported in the province in 2025, compared with 27 cases in 2024. While the virus remains active in other parts of Pakistan, with 31 cases nationwide in 2025, the provincial government and health authorities are optimistic about achieving eradication.
Officials credited the success to six full polio vaccination campaigns and two fractional Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (fIPV) campaigns conducted across Balochistan. Community engagement initiatives, such as the Immunity Express and puppet shows, have also raised awareness about the importance of vaccination.
Inam-ul-Haque, coordinator of the Emergency Operations Centre Balochistan, praised frontline workers for their dedication, often working in extreme conditions including snow, floods, and heat. He emphasized that continued vigilance is critical as the virus remains a threat in other regions, and the involvement of religious leaders has been key in promoting vaccination efforts.’
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Health authorities say the recent progress demonstrates that polio eradication in Balochistan is achievable, provided quality campaigns, monitoring, and community participation continue. They urged sustained efforts to ensure the province remains polio-free and to prevent resurgence from imported cases.