Fifth case of polio surfaces in Karachi this year  

The Ministry of Health on Saturday reported that a 31-month-old child had been diagnosed with polio in Karachi, marking the fifth case in Pakistan this year, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.  

The health ministry has confirmed that the polio virus was found in a 31-month-old child from UC Gujro in Gadap Town of Karachi East, from where the fourth case of this year was also reported.

Caretaker Minister for Health Dr. Nadeem Jan said that steps are being taken on an emergency basis to eradicate polio.

On November 2, the Ministry of Health confirmed that the polio virus had been found in the environmental sample in the Karachi district of Sindh.

According to the spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, this virus is genetically related to the polio virus cluster in Afghanistan.

The polio virus especially targets children with low immunity, said the spokesperson, adding especially in areas where health facilities, nutrition, sanitation system and vaccination rates are low.

The Ministry of Health spokesperson highlighted collaborative efforts with partners to combat polio, emphasizing the government's dedication to implementing urgent and comprehensive measures to eradicate the disease.

 A high-quality polio campaign will be organized in high-risk areas where the virus is detected.

The spokesperson stressed the essential role of scholars, civil society, and the media in the collective fight against polio, underscoring the need for their involvement in promoting awareness and vaccination drives for the eradication of the disease in the country.

In the year 2022, as many as 20 cases of poliovirus were reported across the country.

Pakistan came near to eradication of the disease in the year 2021 when only one case was reported in the country.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries in the world where polio continues to threaten the health and well-being of children.    

 

Reporter: Kifyat Ali Shah