Polio Spread

Caretaker Health Minister Nadeem Jan has announced a three-pronged strategy to halt the spread of the poliovirus in Pakistan as the nation pursues its goal of becoming polio-free, as per Radio Pakistan.

Jan made the announcement during a ceremony in Islamabad, stating, “We are establishing localized operational hubs in Bannu, where three out of four polio cases have emerged.”

This decision follows the discovery of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in sewage samples from four districts of Pakistan. The Pakistan Polio Laboratory at the National Institute of Health confirmed the presence of the virus in samples from Karachi, Rawalpindi, Chaman, and Peshawar.

The interim health minister emphasized the commitment to provide additional resources and health experts to strengthen these hubs.

Furthermore, Jan noted that nationwide polio vaccination efforts, targeting children under the age of five, were underway along with supplementary doses of essential vitamins. He highlighted the effectiveness of the integrated approach to combat poliovirus circulation.

The government has developed a communication strategy with a primary focus on dispelling public misconceptions regarding polio vaccination.

Jan paid tribute to the dedication of polio workers, acknowledging their voluntary service and expressed the intention to utilize their skills in nutrition, family planning, and health hygiene after the eradication of poliovirus in Pakistan.

PIA Optimistic For Full Resumption Of Flight Operations

Meanwhile,

On Sunday, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) spokesperson expressed optimism that continuous communication with authorities would lead to the full restoration of flight operations by the evening.

The conflict over fuel supply between PIA and Pakistan State Oil (PSO) intensified on the same day. PIA is currently grappling with a fuel shortage, severely impacting its flight operations. PSO has alleged that PIA has not received the specified fuel supply as per their agreement.