Punjab reports first polio case this year

PM's Coordinator for National Health Dr Bhirth urges parents to understand importance of vaccination

The first polio case of the year in Punjab has been confirmed in a child from Chakwal district, Express News reported

Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bhirth, Prime Minister's Coordinator for National Health, urged parents to understand the importance of vaccination and ensure their children under five receive polio drops during every campaign.

On the other hand, Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio, expressed concern over the reported case in Punjab.

She stated that Pakistan's Polio Eradication Programme is initiating a thorough investigation of the case, which will inform the strategy for the upcoming polio campaign in the district.

This case marks the 12th instance of polio reported in Pakistan this year.

Read Two children paralysed by poliovirus

Previously, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over Pakistan being one of the two countries in the world facing the challenge of polio, on Wednesday directed the authorities concerned to utilise all resources to rid the country of the crippling disease.

The prime minister, in a meeting with a polio eradication team, said every child should be administered the polio vaccine in the areas facing security challenges.

He said Pakistan had made significant headway in polio eradication due to the dedication of the front-line workers, determination of the government and cooperation by partners.

A briefing to the prime minister on polio eradication apprised him of the anti-polio campaign's two, four and six-month plans