Three out of five environmental samples collected during the recent anti-polio campaign tested positive for the polio virus, indicating the disease’s ongoing presence in the district.

In response, health officials have announced a new anti-polio drive scheduled for April, focusing on vaccinating children from migrant families to limit the virus’s spread.

Despite these concerns, the seven-day anti-polio campaign held from February 3 to 9 successfully vaccinated 1,038,000 children, achieving 100% coverage.

To ensure accessibility, mobile teams, fixed centers, and transit vaccination points were set up across the district, with close monitoring throughout the campaign. Of the 499 parental refusal cases reported, 494 were successfully resolved.

Senator Dr. Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio, launched the campaign in Kotha Kalan. Post-campaign sample analysis showed two negative and three positive results for the polio virus.

District Health Authority CEO Dr. Asif Arbab Niazi confirmed the campaign’s success and highlighted the resolution of nearly all parental refusal cases.