In a concerning development, the Ministry of Health has officially confirmed the fifth case of polio in Pakistan for the current year. The affected individual is a 31-month-old child residing in Karachi’s Eastern district, according to a statement from the ministry’s spokesperson.
The child hails from Union Council Gujru, the same area where the fourth case of polio this year was reported. The spokesperson highlighted that polio is an opportunistic virus, showing a particular propensity for affecting children with low immunity. This risk is heightened in areas with inadequate health facilities, poor nutrition, substandard sanitation systems, and low vaccination rates.
“We are working collaboratively with our partners in the fight against polio,” the spokesperson stated. Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, he mentioned that the government is swiftly implementing all necessary measures on an emergency basis to curb the spread of polio. A high-quality polio campaign is slated to be organized in high-risk areas where the virus is prevalent.
The spokesperson stressed the importance of media involvement in this fight, urging both mainstream and social media to play a pivotal role in raising awareness and eradicating polio from the country. The government is actively seeking public cooperation to ensure the success of vaccination campaigns and to promote the overall health and well-being of the nation’s children.
As the number of cases continues to rise, the Ministry of Health remains committed to taking swift and decisive action to combat the spread of polio, with the ultimate goal of achieving a polio-free Pakistan.
