ISLAMABAD, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Poliovirus has been detected in sewage samples from 20 districts across Pakistan, according to test results from the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Pakistan Polio Eradication Program said the environmental samples were collected between March 5 and March 19, confirming the presence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in multiple areas.

"A total of 60 environmental samples were collected from 51 districts during this period. Of these, 25 samples tested positive for poliovirus, while 35 were declared negative," the statement said.

The statement said that while the detection of poliovirus in sewage remains a concern, the number of positive samples has declined, indicating a reduction in virus circulation in several areas.

According to the program, Pakistan has reported six new poliovirus cases since the start of 2025.

The next nationwide anti-polio campaign is scheduled to run from April 21 to 27, aiming to vaccinate over 45 million children under the age of five across the country. Enditem

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