Third Polio Case of 2024 Detected in Pakistan

Third Polio Case of 2024 Detected in Pakistan

In a concerning development, Pakistan has reported its third polio case of the year.

Polio vaccination drive in pakistan.
A child getting polio drops.

The case involves a young girl from Killa Abdullah district in Balochistan who tested positive for Wild Poliovirus Type 1 (WPV1). Additionally, WPV1 was detected in environmental samples collected from Hyderabad in Sindh, as well as Chaman and Pishin districts in Balochistan. Officials from Pakistan’s polio eradication initiative are closely monitoring the situation.

The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio at the National Institute of Health confirmed that the virus was found in stool samples from a child in Darozai union council of Killa Abdullah. This child exhibited symptoms of paralysis on April 20. Genetic sequencing of the isolated virus is currently underway to better understand its origin and characteristics.

Polio eradication campaign pakistan

Efforts to combat polio remain critical, and vaccination campaigns continue to be essential in protecting children from this debilitating disease. Let’s work together to ensure a polio-free future for all.

Please note that polio is a highly infectious disease that mainly affects children under the age of five. It invades the nervous system and can cause paralysis or even death. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect children from polio. If you have any other requests or need further assistance, feel free to ask! 😊

Dr.ZeeshanChaudhary Orthopedic Surgeon|Public Health Expert | KEMU|MHL https://medcm.blogspot.com/

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Protecting Children: Addressing the Measles Crisis in K-P

 Measles outbreak

In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), the recent measles outbreak has raised serious concerns about the health and safety of children, particularly in remote areas where access to vaccinations is limited.

Vaccination of children

Parents like Bakhtwar Gul from South Waziristan are worried about the well-being of their children, as the lack of available vaccinators and resources hampers efforts to combat the spread of measles.

The Extended Programme on Immunisation (EPI) is facing challenges due to protests by vaccinators, who cite inadequate funding and support from the government. Hasan Ali, an EPI vaccinator, highlights the urgent need for increased resources to ensure effective routine immunization.

Dr. Muhammad Hussain, President of the Pakistan Paediatric Association KP-Chapter, emphasizes the importance of measles vaccination in preventing the spread of the disease. Dr. Hamid Bangash echoes this sentiment, advocating for higher vaccination coverage to protect children from measles-related complications.

However, the EPI's efforts have been hindered by operational difficulties and resource reallocation for COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. As a result, many children remain vulnerable to measles, highlighting the need for sustained support and investment in immunization programs.

To address the crisis, targeted vaccination campaigns are being conducted in affected areas, with plans for an upcoming initiative called 'Big Catch-up' to bridge the immunity gap in older children. Nevertheless, continued efforts and collaboration are essential to overcome the challenges facing the EPI and ensure the health and safety of children in K-P.

References

•  https://tribune-com-pk.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/tribune.com.pk/story/2462580/measles-outbreak-imperils-children-in-k-p?amp=1&amp_js_v=0.1&amp_gsa=1#webview=1
• GENEVA (Web Desk/WHO)

Dr.ZeeshanChaudhary Orthopedic Surgeon|Public Health Expert | KEMU|MHL https://medcm.blogspot.com/

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