DERA ISMAIL KHAN: South Waziristan has reported its first polio virus case of the year, according to officials. The case was confirmed the other day, highlighting the effectiveness of Pakistan’s polio surveillance system.
Federal Health Minister, Abdul Qadir Patel, expressed concern over the development and emphasised the need for parents to vaccinate their children against the disease. Patel said that the government is taking coordinated and effective measures to eradicate polio from the country.
“The virus is genetically identical to the virus found in September 2022. Parents should be aware of the risk of polio virus. This battle cannot be won without the support and help of parents. Vaccines are the only effective way to protect children from lifelong disabilities,” he added.
It is important to note that the last case of polio in South Waziristan was reported in August 2022, and this year, only one case has been reported so far.
