In a shocker, North Waziristan confirms two more polio cases

At least two more polio cases have been confirmed from North Waziristan this year, Express News reported on Tuesday.

According to the health department, all polio cases that have been reported this year are from North Waziristan.

Commenting on the matter, Federal Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel has said that a polio campaign is underway in South Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

This is the third polio campaign after the outbreak of polio in North Waziristan.

“We are working tirelessly to make the vaccine accessible to all children. We will not stop until the virus is completely eradicated. Parents must vaccinate their children against polio,” the health minister said.

He advised parents to ensure that their children are vaccinated in the ongoing special campaign.

According to the health secretary, the southern districts of K-P, including North and South Waziristan, DI Khan, Bannu, Tank and Lakki Marwat are at a high risk of polio virus.

Children up to the age of 10 are being vaccinated against polio. Active efforts are being made to eradicate the poliovirus so that it can be controlled effectively.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2022.