Balochistan reports polio case
Health Desk :
QUETTA: Balochistan has reported a fresh polio case on Monday. A seven-month-old baby tested positive for the crippling virus in Quetta’s Ahmed Khanzai area, sources in the health department confirmed. Health officials had collected the samples of the baby a few days back. The laboratory report confirmed that the baby has contracted the virus, they informed.
The number of polio cases in Balochistan rises to 20 after confirmation of a fresh polio case. District Quetta has so far confirmed two cases of the crippling virus. Polio cases already reported from Pishin, Killa Abdullah, and other parts of the province. Quetta, Pishin, and Killa Abdullah declared to be sensitive districts regarding the presence of poliovirus and thousands of chronic refusals.
Anti-polio campaign launched in all 33 districts of Balochistan
Anti-polio campaign also launched in all 33 districts of Balochistan on Monday (September 21st). During the campaign, over 2.5 million children under the age of five years would be provided polio drops, Rashid Razzaq, the Coordinator Emergency Cell (EOC) Balochistan said.
10,585 teams formed across the province to ensure the provision of anti-polio drops to the children, Mr. Razzaq stated. The campaign would continue for four days. “Religious scholars should come forward and play their role”, he said.
Polio cases rise to 73 across Pakistan
After confirmation of a fresh case in Balochistan, the number of cases on national reached 73. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries around the globe battling the crippling virus. “Parents should ensure the provision of polio drops to their children”, Mr. Razzaq appealed in a statement issued to the press.
Despite three-decades of anti-polio campaigns, the crippling virus is yet to be eradicated from the country. In Balochistan, polio volunteers have kept continued campaigns at the cost of their lives. However, there seems to be no end in sight for the eradication of the crippling virus.
