In a concerning development, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal announced that environmental samples have confirmed the presence of poliovirus in all districts of Karachi. This revelation underscores the critical need for comprehensive vaccination efforts to prevent a potential outbreak.
High Rate of Vaccination Refusals Hampers Eradication Efforts
During the previous anti-polio campaign, over 44,000 parents declined to vaccinate their children, with approximately 34,000 refusals originating from Karachi—particularly from the East district. Minister Kamal emphasized the importance of addressing vaccine hesitancy to safeguard public health.
Enhanced Measures in Ongoing Vaccination Drive
The Sindh government has launched a seven-day anti-polio campaign, aiming to immunize more than 10 million children across the province, including over 2.7 million in Karachi. To ensure the safety of vaccination teams, over 25,000 police personnel have been deployed. Additionally, vaccination points have been established in schools, shopping malls, and transit areas to maximize accessibility.
Public Cooperation Vital for Polio Eradication
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah urged parents to ensure their children receive the polio vaccine, highlighting that repeated doses are safe and enhance immunity. He stressed that there is no cure for polio, and vaccination remains the sole preventive measure against this debilitating disease.
The detection of poliovirus across all Karachi districts serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in eradicating polio. Authorities call upon the public to support vaccination initiatives to protect future generations from this preventable illness.
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