The fourth consecutive case of polio has been recorded in Nangarhar
Kabul, Afghanistan – Another case of polio has been reported from Nangarhar, bringing the total number of polio cases in the country to four in the current year of 2023.
In this regard, the press release issued by the Public Relations Office of the Ministry of Public Health states that a new case of polio has been reported in the Behsud district of Nangarhar province.
The source states that the child afflicted with this disease is 48 months old and resides in Samarkhel village within the mentioned district.
According to the press release, Nangarhar and the eastern zone of the country are facing a high threat of polio. This is due to the presence of poliovirus in the environment, particularly in dirty water and polluted surroundings. Environmental cases of poliovirus have been reported in these areas, confirming the existence of the virus.
According to the press release, in Behsud district, where this polio case was recorded, the hygiene and healthcare conditions of the residents are weak, similar to other districts in Nangarhar.
Dr. Nek Wali Momin, the director of National EOC, stated that the child infected with polio had received vaccinations at every stage of the polio vaccination campaign, but was still infected by the disease.
He stated that vaccination alone may not be sufficient to prevent polio, and it is important to explore additional measures alongside vaccination to protect children from the perilous effects of this virus.
He added, “In addition to vaccination, it is crucial to strengthen children’s immunity. Moreover, efforts should be made to provide sanitation facilities, as many families lack access to clean water. Malnutrition, which is escalating due to poverty and international sanctions, must be prevented. Furthermore, there is a significant lack of access to basic health services in remote areas. Without adequate access to these services, how can we effectively prevent polio?”
In addition, he emphasizes the importance of raising awareness among the people, stating that this measure plays a significant role in preventing polio.
It is worth noting that prior to this, three additional cases of polio were reported in the districts of Bati Kot, Kot, and Naziano in Nangarhar. The fourth case was registered in the Behsud district.
The Polio Eradication Program is making serious efforts to enhance surveillance in the Eastern Zone, among other measures, and ensure that all children receive the polio vaccine, leaving no gaps for the persistence of the poliovirus and preventing any future cases.
Additionally, there are considerations to implement specific or response campaigns targeted at polio cases in this area, aiming to swiftly contain and prevent further spread of the virus.
