In a troubling development for public health, Islamabad has reported its first case of polio in 16 years, specifically in Union Council number 4.
This case represents a significant reversal in the city’s longstanding battle against polio, a virus that had previously been eliminated from the capital for over a decade.
The emergence of this case has heightened concerns about the potential resurgence of polio in Pakistan’s capital.
The latest report brings the total number of polio cases nationwide for the year to 17, signaling a disturbing trend in the fight against this debilitating disease.
Ayesha Raza Farooq, a health official, confirmed the detection of the polio virus in Islamabad, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for renewed efforts to combat the disease.
Her confirmation has raised alarms among health authorities and the general public, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of certain regions despite extensive vaccination campaigns.
In response to the outbreak, Anwar-ul-Haq, Coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Center, has called for intensified measures to address the situation.
“We are intensifying efforts to reach every child with the polio vaccine,” Ul-Haq said, reflecting the government’s renewed commitment to eradicating polio.
His statement underscores the urgent need for a robust immunization drive to prevent further spread of the virus and protect the nation’s children from this potentially crippling disease.
Health authorities are now mobilizing additional resources and ramping up immunization efforts across Islamabad and other affected regions.
This includes deploying vaccination teams to ensure that every child receives the polio vaccine, as well as enhancing surveillance to quickly identify and respond to any new cases.
The resurgence of polio in Islamabad serves as a stark reminder of the challenges still facing the country in its quest to eradicate this virus completely.
The authorities are also working on public awareness campaigns to educate families about the importance of vaccinating their children and the dangers of polio.
The renewed focus on vaccination and preventive measures aims to halt the spread of the virus and prevent further setbacks in the national eradication efforts.
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