Polio has taken an alarming surge in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Threatening to undermine global efforts to eradicate the disease, the World Health Organization warned on September 30.
Two new cases were reported in Kandahar and one in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
The increase in the number of polio cases in Afghanistan coincides with the Taliban ban on vaccinations that hinders the efforts to immunize people. Meanwhile, Pakistan reported three more polio cases, taking the number so far this year to 26.
Polio is an infectious illness of the poliovirus: a small, highly contagious virus capable of invading the nervous system of a person. The virus usually spreads through direct person-to-person contact and contaminated food and water.
An infected person can transmit the virus directly to a healthy person, through the fecal-oral route, or via droplets. Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, fatigue, and limb pains. Vaccination is preventive, and the two types are oral and inactivated polio vaccines.
Since the year’s beginning, health officials have recorded more than 20 polio cases in Afghanistan. While Pakistan reports 24 cases. WHO’s Regional Director, Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari said Afghan and Pakistani governments should show better cooperation.
He said there was a need for both countries to work together to interrupt transmission. But political tensions between the two countries, and a lack of engagement at an effective level from the two governments stand in the way of the medical effort.
The number of polio cases has greatly declined around the world. This notwithstanding, Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only countries that are still endemic with active reporting of the virus.
As such, immediate action is needed in trying to address this public health crisis. And protect the vulnerable populations of both countries. Unless there is a concerted effort to heighten the vaccination rate. And enhance collaboration, the eradication of polio may remain but a mirage.
ANI
