Polio virus has been detected in environmental samples collected from Karachi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the health department, polio virus has been confirmed in environmental samples from two locations in Karachi - one each from the Central and East districts. Additionally, positive samples have also been reported from Quetta and Kohat districts.

This brings the total number of districts across Pakistan where the polio virus has been detected in environmental samples to 38 so far this year. A total of 153 environmental samples have tested positive for the polio virus in 2023.

In response, a nationwide polio vaccination campaign will be launched from June 3, targeting 66 specific districts. Dr. Shahzad Baig, the head of the Pakistan Polio Programme, stated that over 160 million children under the age of five will be administered the polio vaccine drops during this drive.

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Dr. Baig said that special attention is being given to the affected areas to ensure the future of the country is safeguarded.

He appealed to parents to ensure their children under five years of age receive the mandatory polio vaccination.