PMA concerned over spike in polio cases

KARACHI:

Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has said that spike in polio cases, particularly in Sindh, was a matter of grave concern for the health authorities.

The confirmation of two more children affected by the polio virus, a girl in Sanghar and a boy in Mirpurkhas, puts question marks on the performance of repeated vaccination drives.

PMA Secretary General Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro said in a statement said that the association was deeply concerned about the recently reported polio cases. A total of 39 polio cases have been reported across the country with 12 in Sindh alone.

According to a statement, the poliovirus was reported across nine districts in Sindh, with 12 lab-confirmed cases and numerous environmental samples testing positive for the virus.

The PMA calls on the government to take immediate and decisive action to address this critical situation. PMA stand ready to support the government in its efforts to eradicate polio from Pakistan.

Moreover, the association said that dengue, malaria, and chikungunya can be prevented through effective measures and public awareness.

The PMA urged the government to take immediate action to control the spread of these diseases and protect the health of the citizens, especially the poor and underprivileged. Preventive measures such as proper sanitation, mosquito control, and public health education can go a long way in reducing the incidence of these diseases.

It is essential for the government to prioritize the health and well-being of all its citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status.