ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Health here Thursday (9th of Nov, 2023) confirmed the presence of polio-virus in environmental samples of six districts.

According to spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, four samples were from Karachi and two were from Chaman.

He said, “Polio-virus has also been found in one sample each from Peshawar, Kohat and Nowshera.

“The virus belongs to the YB3A virus cluster in Afghanistan.

“Every child is at risk due to the presence of the virus especially for children under five years of age as this virus can make them disabled for life.”

Caretaker Minister for Health Dr Nadeem Jan said: “There is no cure for polio, and only vaccines protect children.

“I request parents to welcome polio workers coming to their homes.

“The polio surveillance system in Pakistan is working effectively.“

Meanwhile, DC of South Waziristan Lower Nasir Khan has underlined the need for pursuing an effective strategy to address refusal cases in the district to safeguard the children against the crippling disease of polio.

DC was of the view that boycotted communities should be engaged to overcome refusal cases and successfully conduct the upcoming polio drive commencing on 20th of November, 2023.

He said the anti-polio campaign could only be made successful with the cooperation of the local people to reach out to each child during the campaign so that a healthy society could evolve.

Newspakistan.tv/APP