ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Federal Minister for Health Dr Nadeem Jan expressed deep concern over the recent increase in polio cases and environmental samples testing positive for the virus in the country.
The minister said this on Saturday, adding that Pakistan has the most sensitive polio surveillance system in the world, as rapid confirmation of the virus in environmental samples shows that the system is working properly.
He, however, warned that the presence of viruses in the environment is an alarming threat to every child in the country, adding that polio is incurable and only the vaccine provides lifelong protection to children.
Dr Jan also announced that the government would plan the next polio vaccination campaign in November in those areas where the virus is present. He advised parents to ensure that their children receive proper polio drops in every campaign in their respective areas.
Fresh Polio Case Reported
Meanwhile, according to reports received from the Ministry of Health on Saturday, a 24-month-old child has been diagnosed with polio in Karachi district, Sindh. This is the fourth polio case being reported in the country in 2023.
Meanwhile, poliovirus has been indicated in environmental samples from four districts of Pakistan, including Karachi, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, and Chaman.
Genetic testing has revealed that the virus found in all the samples belongs to the poliovirus cluster in Afghanistan. According to the ministry, the government has assured taking of emergency measures to eradicate polio.
