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Poliomyelitis

Sindh Chief Minister Directs Health Department to Intensify Polio Eradication Efforts

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed concern over the emergence of two new polio cases in the province, directing the health department to increase its efforts to eradicate the disease. The cases were detected in May and June 2024, involving a 30-month-old malnourished boy from Shikarpur and a three-year-old girl from Karachi's UC Keamari-3. The health department has already implemented vaccination efforts, with over 18,000 children in Keamari being vaccinated and awareness campaigns conducted in affected areas.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sindh Chief Minister directed the health department to intensify polio eradication efforts following the detection of two new cases in May and June 2024.
  • The first case involved a 30-month-old malnourished boy from Shikarpur, while the second case involved a three-year-old girl from Karachi's UC Keamari-3.
  • Over 18,000 children in Keamari were vaccinated as part of the response efforts, and awareness campaigns were conducted in affected areas.
  • Coordinator EOC Irshad Sodhar noted that targeted activities were initiated to cover missed children, with over 60,000 children vaccinated.
  • Environmental surveillance revealed positive polio virus results in several areas, including Sohrab Goth and Korangi Nalla in Karachi.
  • Murad Ali Shah instructed the health department to engage key influencers, conduct awareness sessions, and ensure no refusal of vaccination to fulfill the government's commitment to eradicating polio from Sindh.

Statistics:

  • 2 new polio cases detected in May and June 2024
  • 30-month-old malnourished boy from Shikarpur was one of the cases
  • 3-year-old girl from Karachi's UC Keamari-3 was the second case
  • 18,000+ children in Keamari were vaccinated as part of response efforts
  • Over 60,000 children were vaccinated through targeted activities
  • Environmental surveillance revealed positive polio virus results in multiple areas
  • Karachi's UC Keamari-3 and various locations in Sukkur, Hyderabad, Badin, and Mirpurkhas had positive results

Sources:

  • Sindh Government Press Release on Polio Eradication Efforts
  • Presentation by Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal at the CM House meeting on polio cases
  • Coordinator EOC Irshad Sodhar's comments on targeted vaccination activities

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