Polio Virus spreads to 11 districts in Pakistan

Islamabad: The presence of the polio virus has been confirmed in environmental samples collected from 11 districts across Pakistan.

As of now, a total of 54 environmental samples have tested positive for the polio virus, prompting a renewed sense of urgency in the fight against this persistent threat.

The Ministry of Health has reported that poliovirus has been identified in environmental samples collected from various districts in the provinces of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab, and Sindh.

In Balochistan, environmental samples from Chaman, Pashin, and Quetta have tested positive for the poliovirus.

Meanwhile, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the district of Bannu, as well as four areas in Peshawar, have been affected.

Sindh has also reported environmental samples testing positive in Kemari and District Central.

Additionally, the polio virus has been detected in the environmental sample from the Gulshan Ravi area of Lahore in Punjab.

The gravity of the situation was further underscored by the recent reporting of a fourth polio case in Karachi.

Addressing a Polio Walk event in Islamabad, Caretaker Federal Minister for Health, Nadeem Jan, acknowledged the increase in polio cases within Pakistan.

Minister Jan articulated the government's resolve to protect all children from the deadly poliovirus.

Minister Jan stressed the collective responsibility shared by Pakistan and Afghanistan in eliminating polio, as the disease continues to pose a shared challenge to both nations.

He noted that with concerted efforts and the administration of anti-polio vaccines, the spread of polio can be curtailed.

The Minister expressed his deep appreciation for the dedication and resilience of polio workers, acknowledging them as the unsung heroes of the nation.

On the international front, Dr. Mahi Pala, the head of the World Health Organization in Pakistan, voiced unwavering support for the government's mission to eradicate polio.