Health officials in the United Kingdom said on Wednesday (August 10) that around one million kids in London will be offered a polio booster vaccine. This comes after the virus was detected in sewage samples across the capital. Authorities are alarmed as the virus can cause paralysis.&nbsp;

A health ministry statement said the move came "following the discovery of type 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus in sewage in north and east London." The state mentioned that a targeted booster would be offered to children between one and nine.&nbsp;

"Following the discovery of type 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus in sewage in north and east London, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (<abbr title="Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation">JCVI</abbr>) has advised that a targeted inactivated polio vaccine (<abbr title="inactivated polio vaccine">IPV</abbr>) booster dose should be offered to all children between the ages of 1 and 9 in all London boroughs,"&nbsp;UK Health Security Agency's statement on August 10 read.&nbsp;

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The last case of polio in the UK was in 1984. But concerns have been raised as since February this year, the polio virus has been found 116 times in London's waste water. It was first detected at an east London treatment work earlier this year.&nbsp;

To tackle the situation, the country is banking on an urgent immunisation campaign, which is expected to see nearly a million children offered the vaccine. Notably, there have been no confirmed cases of the disease so far.&nbsp;

The statement said, "The detected levels suggest "that there is some level of virus transmission in these boroughs which may extend to the adjacent areas."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-russia-ukraine-war-caused-rise-in-premature-births-in-ukraine-505598">Why Russia-Ukraine war caused rise in premature births in Ukraine?</a>&nbsp;

Kathlene O'Reilly, who is a polio eradication expert, said, "The discovery in the London sewage samples suggests "there may be localised spread of poliovirus."&nbsp;

Vanessa Saliba, the consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said, "For the majority of the population, who are fully vaccinated, the risk is low."&nbsp;

She added, "But we know the areas in London where the poliovirus is being transmitted have some of the lowest vaccination rates. This is why the virus is spreading in these communities and puts those residents not fully vaccinated at greater risk."&nbsp;

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Health officials in the United Kingdom said on Wednesday (August 10) that around one million kids in London will be offered a polio booster vaccine. This comes after the virus was detected in sewage samples across the capital.

Health officials in the United Kingdom said on Wednesday (August 10) that around one million kids in London will be offered a polio booster vaccine. This comes after the virus was detected in sewage samples across the capital. Authorities are alarmed as the virus can cause paralysis. A health ministry statement said the move came "following the discovery of type 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus in sewage in north and east London." The state mentioned that a targeted booster would be offered to children between one and nine. "Following the discovery of type 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus in sewage in north and east London, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that a targeted inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) booster dose should be offered to all children between the ages of 1 and 9 in all London boroughs," UK Health Security Agency's statement on August 10 read. ALSO READ | Monkeypox in UK: Amid fears of new outbreaks, vaccines set to run out The last case of polio in the UK was in 1984. But concerns have been raised as since February this year, the polio virus has been found 116 times in London's waste water. It was first detected at an east London treatment work earlier this year. To tackle the situation, the country is banking on an urgent immunisation campaign, which is expected to see nearly a million children offered the vaccine. Notably, there have been no confirmed cases of the disease so far. The statement said, "The detected levels suggest "that there is some level of virus transmission in these boroughs which may extend to the adjacent areas." ALSO READ | Why Russia-Ukraine war caused rise in premature births in Ukraine? Kathlene O'Reilly, who is a polio eradication expert, said, "The discovery in the London sewage samples suggests "there may be localised spread of poliovirus." Vanessa Saliba, the consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said, "For the majority of the population, who are fully vaccinated, the risk is low." She added, "But we know the areas in London where the poliovirus is being transmitted have some of the lowest vaccination rates. This is why the virus is spreading in these communities and puts those residents not fully vaccinated at greater risk." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK: After emergence of samples, children in London to be offered polio booster

According to a health official in New York State, there may be hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of undiagnosed polio cases present. This comes after news broke last month that the virus had paralysed an unvaccinated man in Rockland County, New York. Genetic analysis has connected his case to the polio virus in London and Jerusalem. It has been advised that developed nations have increased immunisation rates. Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, the health commissioner expressed her concern that polio might be spreading unknowingly. The majority of the cases are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, and hence are frequently overlooked. She further stated that it’s a serious issue for the world and not just limited to New York.

The US man had "vaccine-derived" polio, which occurs when a country uses a weakened version of the virus for immunisation. A more recent version of the vaccine, which does not include any live viruses, is used in the US and other developed nations. Currently, only 60 per cent are vaccinated in Rockland County. It also faced a measles outbreak in 2018. Field teams are sent to encourage vaccinations, especially amongst children, BBC reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/is-polio-back-in-the-us-502825">Is Polio back in the US?</a>

More testing is currently being done in the UK following the discovery of poliovirus traces over a period of weeks at the Beckton sewage works during wastewater surveillance. In order to stop the first community breakout of polio in the country since the 1970s, booster vaccinations for children under 10 years of age are anticipated to be made available. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged parents to make sure their kids have had all of the recommended vaccinations, Mirror reported.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: UK detects polio after 40 years

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Regardless of whether they are on their polio vaccination schedule or not, it is planned to administer booster shots to children.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-comes-under-scrutiny-as-uk-detects-poliovirus-after-4-decades-491535">Pakistan comes under scrutiny as UK detects poliovirus after 4 decades</a>

Although there have been no confirmed cases in patients, the volume of polio samples found in sewage surveillance suggests that the virus has been spreading from person to person. The virus enters a body through the mouth or nose. The virus may spread to the central nervous system and can damage or kill the cells that control nerves.

Once a person contracts polio, there is no treatment; only vaccination can be used to prevent it.

(With inputs from agencies)

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According to a health official in New York State, there may be hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of undiagnosed polio cases present. This comes after news broke last month that the virus had paralysed an unvaccinated man in Rockland County, New York.

According to a health official in New York State, there may be hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of undiagnosed polio cases present. This comes after news broke last month that the virus had paralysed an unvaccinated man in Rockland County, New York. Genetic analysis has connected his case to the polio virus in London and Jerusalem. It has been advised that developed nations have increased immunisation rates. Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert, the health commissioner expressed her concern that polio might be spreading unknowingly. The majority of the cases are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, and hence are frequently overlooked. She further stated that it’s a serious issue for the world and not just limited to New York. The US man had "vaccine-derived" polio, which occurs when a country uses a weakened version of the virus for immunisation. A more recent version of the vaccine, which does not include any live viruses, is used in the US and other developed nations. Currently, only 60 per cent are vaccinated in Rockland County. It also faced a measles outbreak in 2018. Field teams are sent to encourage vaccinations, especially amongst children, BBC reported. Also read | Is Polio back in the US? More testing is currently being done in the UK following the discovery of poliovirus traces over a period of weeks at the Beckton sewage works during wastewater surveillance. In order to stop the first community breakout of polio in the country since the 1970s, booster vaccinations for children under 10 years of age are anticipated to be made available. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged parents to make sure their kids have had all of the recommended vaccinations, Mirror reported. Watch | Gravitas: UK detects polio after 40 years Regardless of whether they are on their polio vaccination schedule or not, it is planned to administer booster shots to children. Also read | Pakistan comes under scrutiny as UK detects poliovirus after 4 decades Although there have been no confirmed cases in patients, the volume of polio samples found in sewage surveillance suggests that the virus has been spreading from person to person. The virus enters a body through the mouth or nose. The virus may spread to the central nervous system and can damage or kill the cells that control nerves. Once a person contracts polio, there is no treatment; only vaccination can be used to prevent it. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US doctor warns of undiagnosed polio cases, UK to provide booster for kids under 10

The city of New York registered its first case of Polio last month. Following which, the New York State Department of Health launched a wastewater surveillance, among other notable efforts, to look for the root cause of the virus.&nbsp; According to the New York State department of Health, the <a href="https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2022/2022-08-01_polio.htm">results </a>confirmed the presence of the polio virus in the wastewater samples collected from Rockland County in June. Since then, Health officials have been urging residents to get themselves vaccinated against the virus.&nbsp;

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The discovery of the disease from wastewater samples collected in June means the virus was present in the community even&nbsp;before the Rockland county adult’s diagnosis was made public on July 21. This marks the return of the virus in the US after nearly a decade.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in an emailed statement that the presence of the virus in wastewater indicates there may be more people in the community shedding the virus in their feces.&nbsp;

However, the CDC added there have been no new cases identified, and that it is not yet clear whether the virus is actively spreading in New York or elsewhere in the United States.

Laboratory tests also confirmed the strain in the case is genetically linked to one found in Israel, although that did not mean the patient had travelled to Israel, officials added.

<img alt="Reported Paralytic cases in the US. Source: Our world in data, WHO" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1f689fe0-14bc-48db-bb92-dc96754815b9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/CREATIVE_US_POLIO_CASES_AND_DEATHS.jpg" />

As per reports, the patient had started exhibiting symptoms in June, when local officials asked doctors to be on the lookout for cases.

There is no cure for polio, which can cause irreversible paralysis in some cases, but it can be prevented by a vaccine made available in 1955.

Polio is often asymptomatic and people can transmit the virus even when they do not appear sick. But it can produce mild, flu-like symptoms that can take as long as 30 days to appear.&nbsp;

It can affect individuals at any age, but most commonly affects children aged three and younger.

New York officials have said they are opening vaccine clinics to help unvaccinated residents get their shots. Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is the only polio vaccine that has been given in the United States since 2000, according to the CDC. It is given by shot in the leg or arm, depending on the patient’s age.

The polio vaccine developed by Dr Jonas Salk in the 1950s was a scientific breakthrough to tackle the global scourge. The United States has not seen a polio case in the country since 1979.

(With inputs from agencies)

The city of New York registered its first case of Polio last month. Following which, the New York State Department of Health launched a wastewater surveillance, among other notable efforts, to look for the root cause of the virus.

The city of New York registered its first case of Polio last month. Following which, the New York State Department of Health launched a wastewater surveillance, among other notable efforts, to look for the root cause of the virus. According to the New York State department of Health, the results confirmed the presence of the polio virus in the wastewater samples collected from Rockland County in June. Since then, Health officials have been urging residents to get themselves vaccinated against the virus. The discovery of the disease from wastewater samples collected in June means the virus was present in the community even before the Rockland county adult’s diagnosis was made public on July 21. This marks the return of the virus in the US after nearly a decade. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in an emailed statement that the presence of the virus in wastewater indicates there may be more people in the community shedding the virus in their feces. However, the CDC added there have been no new cases identified, and that it is not yet clear whether the virus is actively spreading in New York or elsewhere in the United States. Laboratory tests also confirmed the strain in the case is genetically linked to one found in Israel, although that did not mean the patient had travelled to Israel, officials added. As per reports, the patient had started exhibiting symptoms in June, when local officials asked doctors to be on the lookout for cases. There is no cure for polio, which can cause irreversible paralysis in some cases, but it can be prevented by a vaccine made available in 1955. Polio is often asymptomatic and people can transmit the virus even when they do not appear sick. But it can produce mild, flu-like symptoms that can take as long as 30 days to appear. It can affect individuals at any age, but most commonly affects children aged three and younger. New York officials have said they are opening vaccine clinics to help unvaccinated residents get their shots. Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is the only polio vaccine that has been given in the United States since 2000, according to the CDC. It is given by shot in the leg or arm, depending on the patient’s age. The polio vaccine developed by Dr Jonas Salk in the 1950s was a scientific breakthrough to tackle the global scourge. The United States has not seen a polio case in the country since 1979. (With inputs from agencies)

Is Polio back in the US?

The United States recorded a case of polio on Thursday (July 21). The case has been identified outside New York City in Rockland County, the New York State Health Department confirmed. The report of a known polio case means this would be the first in the country in nearly 10 years.&nbsp;

The health department revealed that a person living in Rockland County, (48 kilometres) north of Manhattan, had tested positive for the highly contagious disease.&nbsp;

New York's health department said in a statement: "This suggests that the virus may have originated in a location outside of the US where OPV is administered since revertant strains cannot emerge from inactivated vaccines."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-monkeypox-global-health-emergency-who-discusses-rise-in-cases-and-outbreaks-499584">Is monkeypox a global health emergency? WHO discusses rise in cases and outbreaks</a>&nbsp;

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the last recorded case of polio in the US was in 2013 and the last naturally occurring cases in America were reported in 1979.&nbsp;

Officials have revealed that the latest case was a type "indicative of a transmission chain from an individual who received the oral polio vaccine (OPV)."&nbsp;

In a statement, Rockland County Health Commissioner Patricia Schnabel Ruppert said: "We are monitoring the situation closely and working with the New York State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to respond to this emergent public health issue to protect the health and wellbeing of county residents."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientists-develop-microrobots-that-surround-a-cancer-cell-and-kill-it-498833">Scientists develop microrobots that surround a cancer cell and kill it</a>&nbsp;

Officials have also warned healthcare providers to be on the lookout for more cases. They also urged people in the area who are not vaccinated to get the shot.

In the United States, the oral vaccine was discontinued in 2000. &nbsp;

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The United States recorded a case of polio on Thursday (July 21). The case has been identified outside New York City in Rockland County, the New York State Health Department confirmed.

The United States recorded a case of polio on Thursday (July 21). The case has been identified outside New York City in Rockland County, the New York State Health Department confirmed. The report of a known polio case means this would be the first in the country in nearly 10 years. The health department revealed that a person living in Rockland County, (48 kilometres) north of Manhattan, had tested positive for the highly contagious disease. New York's health department said in a statement: "This suggests that the virus may have originated in a location outside of the US where OPV is administered since revertant strains cannot emerge from inactivated vaccines." ALSO READ | Is monkeypox a global health emergency? WHO discusses rise in cases and outbreaks According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the last recorded case of polio in the US was in 2013 and the last naturally occurring cases in America were reported in 1979. Officials have revealed that the latest case was a type "indicative of a transmission chain from an individual who received the oral polio vaccine (OPV)." In a statement, Rockland County Health Commissioner Patricia Schnabel Ruppert said: "We are monitoring the situation closely and working with the New York State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to respond to this emergent public health issue to protect the health and wellbeing of county residents." ALSO READ | Scientists develop microrobots that surround a cancer cell and kill it Officials have also warned healthcare providers to be on the lookout for more cases. They also urged people in the area who are not vaccinated to get the shot. In the United States, the oral vaccine was discontinued in 2000. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Polio case found in New York City suburb, first known case in nearly a decade

The New York health department has now reported its very first polio case in the country in almost about a decade. The New York state health department confirmed the case and has stated that the origin is likely outside United States.

The first US case of Polio since 2013 has been detected in New York

Polio has returned to the UK after 40 years. The virus has been detected in London's sewage samples. Authorities have declared a 'national incident'. Investigations are underway to track community transmission. Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: UK detects polio after 40 years

Public health officials in London have declared a 'national incident' after finding evidence of community transmission of Polio virus for the first time four decades.

Traces of Polio virus found in London sewers

UK health officials found traces of poliovirus during a sewage inspection in London as UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) declared a national incident on Wednesday.

The poliovirus were reportedly found in sewage samples between February and May, reports claimed and has been classified as 'vaccine-derived' poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-records-first-recent-case-of-monkeypox-in-a-british-flight-attendant-490715">Also Read:&nbsp;Singapore reports first recent case of monkeypox in a flight attendant</a>

However, no human polio cases have been detected as WHO noted that the "virus has been isolated from environmental samples only" while cautioning that it is a "threat to children everywhere".

Watch:&nbsp;WHO Chief Tedros to assess Monkeypox spread

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Health authorities said although the risk to the general public is low but added that poliovirus can spread.

The officials urged children to get vaccinated with the NHS asked to report any suspected case to the UKHSA. It is seen as a threat to children and young adults.

Poliovirus causes illness and paralysis to those who have not been vaccinated as the WHO informed that polio immunisation in London stood at 87 per cent.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said "multiple sewage samples were collected from the London Beckton Sewage Treatment Works between February and June 2022." The area reportedly covers north and east London.

The UKHSA said it is investigating the extent of transmission of the virus in northeast London.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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UK health officials found traces of poliovirus during a sewage inspection in London as UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) declared a national incident on Wednesday.

UK health officials found traces of poliovirus during a sewage inspection in London as UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) declared a national incident on Wednesday. The poliovirus were reportedly found in sewage samples between February and May, reports claimed and has been classified as 'vaccine-derived' poliovirus type 2 (VDPV2). Also Read: Singapore reports first recent case of monkeypox in a flight attendant However, no human polio cases have been detected as WHO noted that the "virus has been isolated from environmental samples only" while cautioning that it is a "threat to children everywhere". Watch: WHO Chief Tedros to assess Monkeypox spread Health authorities said although the risk to the general public is low but added that poliovirus can spread. The officials urged children to get vaccinated with the NHS asked to report any suspected case to the UKHSA. It is seen as a threat to children and young adults. Poliovirus causes illness and paralysis to those who have not been vaccinated as the WHO informed that polio immunisation in London stood at 87 per cent. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said "multiple sewage samples were collected from the London Beckton Sewage Treatment Works between February and June 2022." The area reportedly covers north and east London. The UKHSA said it is investigating the extent of transmission of the virus in northeast London. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Polio virus traces found in London sewage as national incident declared

Malawi&nbsp;said Thursday it will launch a nationwide&nbsp;polio&nbsp;vaccination campaign&nbsp;next&nbsp;month&nbsp;following the detection of its first case in 30 years and Africa's first in five years.

The southern African country announced the discovery of a wild poliovirus case a week ago in a four-year girl.

The child had not been fully immunised, according to the World Health Organization's representative in&nbsp;Malawi, Janet Kayita.

Authorities are now rushing to inoculate nearly three million children aged under five years.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/a-joint-commitment-who-unicef-launch-polio-vaccine-campaign-in-afghanistan-427657">'A joint commitment': WHO, UNICEF launch polio vaccine campaign in Afghanistan</a>

"The upcoming&nbsp;polio&nbsp;vaccination campaign in four weeks' time... will target around 2.9 million children across the country,"&nbsp;Malawi's health ministry director, Queen Dube, told AFP.

Malawi&nbsp;has placed an order of around 14 million doses of vaccines.

The vaccination is expected to extend beyond&nbsp;Malawi's borders, targeting selected districts in neighbouring countries, she said.

Dube said an emergency meeting of international health regulators was due on Monday and may recommend mandatory vaccination for travellers to&nbsp;Malawi&nbsp;to help curb the spread of the virus.

UNICEF's representative in&nbsp;Malawi, Rudolf Schwenk, on Tuesday described the&nbsp;outbreak&nbsp;"a very serious situation".

"We have to collectively take quick action because it's a national emergency," he said at a news conference.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-can-end-in-2022-if-says-who-chief-ghebreyesus-amid-omicron-spread-441759">'COVID-19 can end in 2022, if…', says WHO chief Ghebreyesus amid Omicron spread</a>

President Lazarus Chakwera has declared a national health emergency.

Laboratory analysis showed that the detected strain is linked to one that has been circulating in Sindh Province in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Dube said it was "difficult" to establish how the Malawian child became infected.

Polio, an acutely contagious virus which attacks the spinal cord and causes irreversible paralysis in children, remains endemic in Pakistan and its neighbour Afghanistan.

The disease can be prevented with a highly effective and very cheap vaccine.

Watch |&nbsp;WHO, UNICEF launch polio campaign in Afghanistan

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Africa was declared free of indigenous wild&nbsp;polio&nbsp;in August 2020&nbsp;after&nbsp;an exhaustive&nbsp;immunisation&nbsp;campaign.

No&nbsp;polio&nbsp;cases had occurred on the continent for the previous four years -- the threshold for eradication.

Malawi said Thursday it will launch a nationwide polio vaccination campaign next month following the detection of its first case in 30 years and Africa's first in five years.

Malawi said Thursday it will launch a nationwide polio vaccination campaign next month following the detection of its first case in 30 years and Africa's first in five years. The southern African country announced the discovery of a wild poliovirus case a week ago in a four-year girl. The child had not been fully immunised, according to the World Health Organization's representative in Malawi, Janet Kayita. Authorities are now rushing to inoculate nearly three million children aged under five years. Also read | 'A joint commitment': WHO, UNICEF launch polio vaccine campaign in Afghanistan "The upcoming polio vaccination campaign in four weeks' time... will target around 2.9 million children across the country," Malawi's health ministry director, Queen Dube, told AFP. Malawi has placed an order of around 14 million doses of vaccines. The vaccination is expected to extend beyond Malawi's borders, targeting selected districts in neighbouring countries, she said. Dube said an emergency meeting of international health regulators was due on Monday and may recommend mandatory vaccination for travellers to Malawi to help curb the spread of the virus. UNICEF's representative in Malawi, Rudolf Schwenk, on Tuesday described the outbreak "a very serious situation". "We have to collectively take quick action because it's a national emergency," he said at a news conference. Also read | 'COVID-19 can end in 2022, if…', says WHO chief Ghebreyesus amid Omicron spread President Lazarus Chakwera has declared a national health emergency. Laboratory analysis showed that the detected strain is linked to one that has been circulating in Sindh Province in Pakistan. Dube said it was "difficult" to establish how the Malawian child became infected. Polio, an acutely contagious virus which attacks the spinal cord and causes irreversible paralysis in children, remains endemic in Pakistan and its neighbour Afghanistan. The disease can be prevented with a highly effective and very cheap vaccine. Watch | WHO, UNICEF launch polio campaign in Afghanistan Africa was declared free of indigenous wild polio in August 2020 after an exhaustive immunisation campaign. No polio cases had occurred on the continent for the previous four years -- the threshold for eradication.

Malawi polio immunisation starts next month after outbreak

Eight&nbsp;members of&nbsp;polio&nbsp;vaccination teams working to eradicate the crippling virus in Afghanistan were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;on Thursday in four separate&nbsp;attacks, the United Nations said.

Polio&nbsp;teams were frequently targeted by insurgent groups in Afghanistan until the Taliban's takeover of the country last year, when the hardline Islamist group said it wanted to work with the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;to stamp out the disease.

In the past&nbsp;polio&nbsp;campaigns in Afghanistan -- and neighbouring Pakistan -- were accused of being fronts for spying, while some clerics said the vaccine was a conspiracy to sterilise Muslims.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/protesters-demand-release-of-afghanistans-frozen-assets-455272">Protesters demand release of Afghanistan's frozen assets</a>

"We are appalled&nbsp;by the brutality of these&nbsp;killings, across four separate locations," the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;said in a statement.

"This senseless violence must stop immediately, and those responsible must be investigated and brought to justice. These&nbsp;attacks&nbsp;are a violation of international humanitarian law."

The Taliban said they had "received the news" of the incidents and were trying to get more information.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/41-truck-afghan-convoy-reaches-wagah-border-to-collect-indian-wheats-first-consignment-455254">&nbsp;41-truck Afghan convoy reaches Wagah border to collect Indian wheat’s first consignment</a>

"Our policy is clear, we want to vaccinate and protect all the children in Afghanistan under the age of five," Javid Hajir, a spokesman for the Ministry of Health, told AFP.

The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;said one person was&nbsp;killed&nbsp;in Takhar province in the far north, and seven in neighbouring Kunduz province -- including four in the provincial capital Kunduz city.

They were engaged in house-to-house visits or on their way to begin campaigns, the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/women-workers-must-cover-up-even-with-a-blanket-say-afghan-taliban-455394">Women workers must cover up 'even with a blanket', say Afghan Taliban</a>

Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries in the world where&nbsp;polio&nbsp;has not been eradicated, although Pakistan last month reported a year without a case for the first time in history.

Eight members of polio vaccination teams working to eradicate the crippling virus in Afghanistan were killed on Thursday in four separate attacks, the United Nations said.

Eight members of polio vaccination teams working to eradicate the crippling virus in Afghanistan were killed on Thursday in four separate attacks, the United Nations said. Polio teams were frequently targeted by insurgent groups in Afghanistan until the Taliban's takeover of the country last year, when the hardline Islamist group said it wanted to work with the UN to stamp out the disease. In the past polio campaigns in Afghanistan -- and neighbouring Pakistan -- were accused of being fronts for spying, while some clerics said the vaccine was a conspiracy to sterilise Muslims. Also read | Protesters demand release of Afghanistan's frozen assets "We are appalled by the brutality of these killings, across four separate locations," the UN said in a statement. "This senseless violence must stop immediately, and those responsible must be investigated and brought to justice. These attacks are a violation of international humanitarian law." The Taliban said they had "received the news" of the incidents and were trying to get more information. Also read | 41-truck Afghan convoy reaches Wagah border to collect Indian wheat’s first consignment "Our policy is clear, we want to vaccinate and protect all the children in Afghanistan under the age of five," Javid Hajir, a spokesman for the Ministry of Health, told AFP. The UN said one person was killed in Takhar province in the far north, and seven in neighbouring Kunduz province -- including four in the provincial capital Kunduz city. They were engaged in house-to-house visits or on their way to begin campaigns, the UN said. Also read | Women workers must cover up 'even with a blanket', say Afghan Taliban Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two countries in the world where polio has not been eradicated, although Pakistan last month reported a year without a case for the first time in history.

Eight polio vaccinators killed in series of Afghan attacks: UN

On Thursday, Pakistan received a special guest. The co-founder of Microsoft Bill Gates. What was he doing in Islamabad? Discussing the eradication of Polio with Pak PM Imran Khan. Pakistan is among the only 2 countries still fighting polio. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Here's what Bill Gates was doing in Islamabad

In what is being termed as the first nationwide campaign in three years, the World Health Organization and the United Nations children's agency have started a polio vaccination campaign in Afghanistan in an attempt to fight the disease.&nbsp;

As per WHO, the campaign is aimed at reaching over 3 million children and has received Taliban backing. It would allow teams to reach children in areas which were inaccessible earlier. According to WHO figures compiled before the Taliban took over Afghanistan, there was one reported case of the one wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in Afghanistan in 2021, compared with 56 in 2020.

Ahmed Al Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, in a statement said, "The urgency with which the Taliban leadership wants the polio campaign to proceed demonstrates a joint commitment to maintain the health system and restart essential immunisations to avert further outbreaks of preventable diseases."&nbsp;

National Emergency Operations Coordinator for the polio programme at Afghanistan's health ministry, Naikwali Shah Momim has highlighted that more training is needed for teams in remote areas. Therefore, the programme would initially start in places such as Kabul.

Afghanistan is one of the last countries in the world with endemic polio. The disease has been virtually eliminated globally through a decades-long inoculation drive.&nbsp;

Several polio workers were killed by gunmen in eastern Afghanistan this year. However, it is not yet clear who was behind the attacks.

Meanwhile, the nation has been struggling to battle poverty as people fear the approach of winter. Various financial institutions suspended their engagement with the country until there was clarity within the international community on the recognition of the government led by the Taliban.

Currently, banks are running out of money, civil servants have not been paid and food prices have surged.&nbsp;

The IMF said that Afghanistan's economy was set to contract up to 30 per cent this year. "Afghanistan is in need of revival on all fronts, and development is the top priority," said Wang.

(With inputs from agencies)

In what is being termed as the first nationwide campaign in three years, the World Health Organization and the United Nations children's agency have started a polio vaccination campaign in Afghanistan in an attempt to fight the disease.

In what is being termed as the first nationwide campaign in three years, the World Health Organization and the United Nations children's agency have started a polio vaccination campaign in Afghanistan in an attempt to fight the disease. As per WHO, the campaign is aimed at reaching over 3 million children and has received Taliban backing. It would allow teams to reach children in areas which were inaccessible earlier. According to WHO figures compiled before the Taliban took over Afghanistan, there was one reported case of the one wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in Afghanistan in 2021, compared with 56 in 2020. Ahmed Al Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, in a statement said, "The urgency with which the Taliban leadership wants the polio campaign to proceed demonstrates a joint commitment to maintain the health system and restart essential immunisations to avert further outbreaks of preventable diseases." National Emergency Operations Coordinator for the polio programme at Afghanistan's health ministry, Naikwali Shah Momim has highlighted that more training is needed for teams in remote areas. Therefore, the programme would initially start in places such as Kabul. Afghanistan is one of the last countries in the world with endemic polio. The disease has been virtually eliminated globally through a decades-long inoculation drive. Several polio workers were killed by gunmen in eastern Afghanistan this year. However, it is not yet clear who was behind the attacks. Meanwhile, the nation has been struggling to battle poverty as people fear the approach of winter. Various financial institutions suspended their engagement with the country until there was clarity within the international community on the recognition of the government led by the Taliban. Currently, banks are running out of money, civil servants have not been paid and food prices have surged. The IMF said that Afghanistan's economy was set to contract up to 30 per cent this year. "Afghanistan is in need of revival on all fronts, and development is the top priority," said Wang. (With inputs from agencies)

'A joint commitment': WHO, UNICEF launch polio vaccine campaign in Afghanistan

About 23 million children missed routine vaccinations last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the greatest number in more than a decade, fuelling outbreaks of measles, polio, and other avoidable diseases, UN agencies said.

The WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund said in an annual report that the worldwide vaccination coverage gap has created a "perfect storm," leaving more children vulnerable to infectious infections as many countries relax COVID-19 regulations.&nbsp;

Removing restrictions has the potential to increase not only COVID-19 transmission, but also the spread of diseases that are ordinarily vaccine-preventable.&nbsp; 
 
Watch: Zydus Cadila COVID-19 vaccine for kids likely to get DCGI's nod

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/zydus-cadila-covid-19-vaccine-for-kids-likely-to-get-dcgis-nod-397631/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"In 2021, we have potentially a perfect storm about to happen," Kate O'Brien, head of the WHO's vaccines and immunisation department said.

According to the World Health Organization, measles, one of the world's most contagious illnesses, can be fatal to children under the age of five, especially in African and Asian nations with weak health systems.

Polio can permanently disable a youngster.&nbsp;

Regarding a key indicator of childhood vaccination rates, ten countries, led by India and Nigeria, account for the majority of the 22.7 million children who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) in 2020 – 3.7 million more than in 2019 and the most since 2009.&nbsp;

There has been an “alarming increase” in “zero dose” children – those missing out on any vaccination – which rose to 17.1 million last year from 13.6 million, said Ephrem Lemango, UNICEF chief of immunisation. Many live in war-torn countries or slums, he said.

Sixty-six countries postponed at least one immunisation campaign against preventable diseases, although some including Mexico have begun catch-up programmes, the report said.

(With inputs from agencies)

About 23 million children missed routine vaccinations last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the greatest number in more than a decade, fuelling outbreaks of measles, polio, and other avoidable diseases, UN agencies said.

About 23 million children missed routine vaccinations last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the greatest number in more than a decade, fuelling outbreaks of measles, polio, and other avoidable diseases, UN agencies said. The WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund said in an annual report that the worldwide vaccination coverage gap has created a "perfect storm," leaving more children vulnerable to infectious infections as many countries relax COVID-19 regulations. Removing restrictions has the potential to increase not only COVID-19 transmission, but also the spread of diseases that are ordinarily vaccine-preventable. Watch: Zydus Cadila COVID-19 vaccine for kids likely to get DCGI's nod "In 2021, we have potentially a perfect storm about to happen," Kate O'Brien, head of the WHO's vaccines and immunisation department said. According to the World Health Organization, measles, one of the world's most contagious illnesses, can be fatal to children under the age of five, especially in African and Asian nations with weak health systems. Polio can permanently disable a youngster. Regarding a key indicator of childhood vaccination rates, ten countries, led by India and Nigeria, account for the majority of the 22.7 million children who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) in 2020 – 3.7 million more than in 2019 and the most since 2009. There has been an “alarming increase” in “zero dose” children – those missing out on any vaccination – which rose to 17.1 million last year from 13.6 million, said Ephrem Lemango, UNICEF chief of immunisation. Many live in war-torn countries or slums, he said. Sixty-six countries postponed at least one immunisation campaign against preventable diseases, although some including Mexico have begun catch-up programmes, the report said. (With inputs from agencies)

Kids' future at risk: 23 million missed out on routine vaccinations due to COVID-19

As the Taliban returns to Afghanistan, violent incidents have grown in the country. In a recent shoot out, at least five polio vaccinators were shot dead in eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday.

These workers were shot dead in what is being assumed to be a "coordinated attack" in three different locations within a span of a few hours.

"This is the work of the Taliban, targeting health workers to deprive people of polio vaccines," Nangarhar provincial police spokesman Farid Khan said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/children-pay-the-price-in-pakistans-mass-hiv-outbreak-391459" hreflang="en">Children pay the price in Pakistan's mass HIV outbreak</a>

However, the terrorist group Taliban has denied responsibility for these attacks.

Polio vaccines have been protested against for years now in Afghanistan as several spiritual leaders and community leaders claim vaccines are a conspiracy started by Western countries.

After the attack that killed five workers and injured at least one more, the door-to-door inoculation drive has been halted for the time being.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-ministry-of-interior-arrests-mediators-who-helped-in-handover-of-military-outposts-to-taliban-391299" hreflang="en">Afghan Ministry of Interior arrests mediators who helped in handover of military outposts to Taliban</a>

"These were all targeted attacks against polio vaccinators, and for now we have stopped all polio vaccination drives in Nangarhar province," an official told AFP.

"Depriving children from an assurance of a healthy life is inhumane,"&nbsp;Ramiz Alakbarov, United Nations’ official said condemning the attack. "Senseless violence must stop now, those responsible must be investigated and brought to justice.”

As the Taliban returns to Afghanistan, violent incidents have grown in the country. In a recent shoot out, at least five polio vaccinators were shot dead in eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday.

As the Taliban returns to Afghanistan, violent incidents have grown in the country. In a recent shoot out, at least five polio vaccinators were shot dead in eastern Afghanistan on Tuesday. These workers were shot dead in what is being assumed to be a "coordinated attack" in three different locations within a span of a few hours. "This is the work of the Taliban, targeting health workers to deprive people of polio vaccines," Nangarhar provincial police spokesman Farid Khan said. Also read | Children pay the price in Pakistan's mass HIV outbreak However, the terrorist group Taliban has denied responsibility for these attacks. Polio vaccines have been protested against for years now in Afghanistan as several spiritual leaders and community leaders claim vaccines are a conspiracy started by Western countries. After the attack that killed five workers and injured at least one more, the door-to-door inoculation drive has been halted for the time being. Also read | Afghan Ministry of Interior arrests mediators who helped in handover of military outposts to Taliban "These were all targeted attacks against polio vaccinators, and for now we have stopped all polio vaccination drives in Nangarhar province," an official told AFP. "Depriving children from an assurance of a healthy life is inhumane," Ramiz Alakbarov, United Nations’ official said condemning the attack. "Senseless violence must stop now, those responsible must be investigated and brought to justice.”

Afghanistan: Five polio workers shot dead in 'coordinated attacks'

An outbreak of the polio virus in North and South Americas might happen due to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, health experts fear.

According to experts at the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), these disruptions can be due to delay in vaccinations and surveillance.

Countries in the region must maintain polio vaccinations and surveillance during the pandemic to prevent an outbreak, the organisation says.

The pandemic has stressed immunisation and surveillance systems designed to catch and respond to vaccine-preventable diseases, according to PAHO.

Statistically speaking, reported coverage for the polio vaccine for the Americas between 2016 and 2019 ranged between 85-87%, according to PAHO.

Coverage in 2020 might be lower "due to disruptions in primary health care activities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic," according to PAHO.

Polio, in some young children, can affect the nerves and cause muscle weakness or paralysis.&nbsp;

There is no treatment yet to the disease. Getting vaccinated can, however, prevent infection. 
&nbsp;

An outbreak of the polio virus in North and South Americas might happen due to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, health experts fear. According to experts at the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), these disruptions can be due to delay in vaccinations and surveillance.

An outbreak of the polio virus in North and South Americas might happen due to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, health experts fear. According to experts at the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), these disruptions can be due to delay in vaccinations and surveillance. Countries in the region must maintain polio vaccinations and surveillance during the pandemic to prevent an outbreak, the organisation says. The pandemic has stressed immunisation and surveillance systems designed to catch and respond to vaccine-preventable diseases, according to PAHO. Statistically speaking, reported coverage for the polio vaccine for the Americas between 2016 and 2019 ranged between 85-87%, according to PAHO. Coverage in 2020 might be lower "due to disruptions in primary health care activities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic," according to PAHO. Polio, in some young children, can affect the nerves and cause muscle weakness or paralysis. There is no treatment yet to the disease. Getting vaccinated can, however, prevent infection.

Americas at risk of polio outbreak due to disruptions by pandemic, experts say

Sudan is preparing a mass vaccination campaign against polio after an outbreak, the UN said Friday, days after the declaration of the eradication of wild poliovirus in Africa.

On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrated the announcement that Africa was free of cases of the wild virus that causes the crippling disease, a landmark in a decades-long campaign to eradicate it.

The 13 cases in Sudan are derived from a vaccine, which can take place in rare cases when the weakened virus in the vaccine mutates, a problem in countries with low immunisation rates and poor sanitation, health experts say.

"This is the first polio outbreak in Sudan in more than a decade, and has affected nine states across the country," the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Sudan said.

The first case was recorded on August 9, and areas affected include the war-ravaged western region of Darfur, it said.

"At least 13 cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus have been confirmed," it added.

The Sudanese health ministry, alongside UN agencies, is planning to vaccinate five million children aged under five.

"Although Africa was recently declared free of the wild poliovirus... vaccine-derived polio persists and poses a threat to many countries," the statement said.

"Neighbouring Ethiopia, Central African Republic and Chad also reported cases, which puts more risks on Sudan, especially in the Darfur region, due to border movements."

An oral vaccine given to young children has been massively effective against polio around the world.

Vaccine-derived outbreaks are stopped by using the same health tactics as eradicated wild polio.

That includes the intense monitoring of populations and ensuring high vaccination coverage.

Poliomyelitis -- the medical term for polio -- is an acutely infectious and contagious virus which attacks the spinal cord and causes irreversible paralysis in children.

It is typically spread in the faeces of an infected person and is picked up through contaminated water or food.

Sudan is preparing a mass vaccination campaign against polio after an outbreak, the UN said Friday, days after the declaration of the eradication of wild poliovirus in Africa.

Sudan is preparing a mass vaccination campaign against polio after an outbreak, the UN said Friday, days after the declaration of the eradication of wild poliovirus in Africa. On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrated the announcement that Africa was free of cases of the wild virus that causes the crippling disease, a landmark in a decades-long campaign to eradicate it. The 13 cases in Sudan are derived from a vaccine, which can take place in rare cases when the weakened virus in the vaccine mutates, a problem in countries with low immunisation rates and poor sanitation, health experts say. "This is the first polio outbreak in Sudan in more than a decade, and has affected nine states across the country," the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Sudan said. The first case was recorded on August 9, and areas affected include the war-ravaged western region of Darfur, it said. "At least 13 cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus have been confirmed," it added. The Sudanese health ministry, alongside UN agencies, is planning to vaccinate five million children aged under five. "Although Africa was recently declared free of the wild poliovirus... vaccine-derived polio persists and poses a threat to many countries," the statement said. "Neighbouring Ethiopia, Central African Republic and Chad also reported cases, which puts more risks on Sudan, especially in the Darfur region, due to border movements." An oral vaccine given to young children has been massively effective against polio around the world. Vaccine-derived outbreaks are stopped by using the same health tactics as eradicated wild polio. That includes the intense monitoring of populations and ensuring high vaccination coverage. Poliomyelitis -- the medical term for polio -- is an acutely infectious and contagious virus which attacks the spinal cord and causes irreversible paralysis in children. It is typically spread in the faeces of an infected person and is picked up through contaminated water or food.

Sudan to launch mass polio vaccination after outbreak

Africa is set to be declared as a 'polio-free- region by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 25, fiur years after cases re-emerged in northeastern Nigeria.

The WHO thanked volunteers, donors, local leaders and communities, and front line health workers who put in efforts round the clock to save children from the crippling disease.

"Thanks to the relentless efforts by governments, donors, frontline health workers, and communities, up to 1.8 million children have been saved from the crippling lifelong paralysis," the WHO said in a statement.

Wild polio, classified as an endemic had been crippling the childen of Africa by leaving them paralysed. The WHO and health experts were successful in finishing the disease from the continent, until few years ago when handful cases re-emerged in Nigeria. However, four years after the recent cases, the continent is now certified as polio-free.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-pace-slows-worldwide-except-for-southeast-asia-eastern-mediterranean-who-322990">Also read|&nbsp;Pandemic pace slows worldwide except for Southeast Asia, Eastern Mediterranean: WHO</a>

The local doctors have expressed joy of relief for this achievement.&nbsp;"Happiness is an understatement. We've been on this marathon for over 30 years," said Tunji Funsho, a Nigerian doctor and local anti-polio coordinator for Rotary International.

The official announcement was made through a videoconference, which was attended by the&nbsp;WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and key figures including philanthropist and Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

After Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan will be the only countries to have polio cases now.

African officials had to fight not only with polio, but also with extremists who protested against the vaccine, alleging the vaccine was an excuse to negatively affect children's health. Various health officials had to face the threat of violence from extremists groups. The health officials took help from 'health informants' and local leaders to gain trust of such groups.

"People trust their local traditional leaders who live with them more than the political leaders," said Grema Mundube, a community leader in the town of Monguno, in the far north of Nigeria.

"Once we spoke to them and they saw us immunising our children, they gradually accepted the vaccine," he continued.

Dr Musa Idowu Audu, coordinator for the WHO in Borno also took a moment to remember and thank the leaders and the officials who lost their lives or became victims of violence while making sure the vaccines reach the affeted children. Remembering the days and thanking teh officials for their efforts, eh said,&nbsp;"International agencies, local governments, donors — all partners took the bull by the horns to find new strategies to manage to reach these children."

Audu also said that while he is happy that Africa will now be a 'polio-free' continent, he hopes no new case arrives from Afghanistan and Pakistan, and all children, in future, get vaccinated on time.

Africa is set to be declared as a 'polio-free- region by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 25, fiur years after cases re-emerged in northeastern Nigeria.

Africa is set to be declared as a 'polio-free- region by the World Health Organization (WHO) on August 25, fiur years after cases re-emerged in northeastern Nigeria. The WHO thanked volunteers, donors, local leaders and communities, and front line health workers who put in efforts round the clock to save children from the crippling disease. "Thanks to the relentless efforts by governments, donors, frontline health workers, and communities, up to 1.8 million children have been saved from the crippling lifelong paralysis," the WHO said in a statement. Wild polio, classified as an endemic had been crippling the childen of Africa by leaving them paralysed. The WHO and health experts were successful in finishing the disease from the continent, until few years ago when handful cases re-emerged in Nigeria. However, four years after the recent cases, the continent is now certified as polio-free. Also read| Pandemic pace slows worldwide except for Southeast Asia, Eastern Mediterranean: WHO The local doctors have expressed joy of relief for this achievement. "Happiness is an understatement. We've been on this marathon for over 30 years," said Tunji Funsho, a Nigerian doctor and local anti-polio coordinator for Rotary International. The official announcement was made through a videoconference, which was attended by the WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and key figures including philanthropist and Microsoft founder Bill Gates. After Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan will be the only countries to have polio cases now. African officials had to fight not only with polio, but also with extremists who protested against the vaccine, alleging the vaccine was an excuse to negatively affect children's health. Various health officials had to face the threat of violence from extremists groups. The health officials took help from 'health informants' and local leaders to gain trust of such groups. "People trust their local traditional leaders who live with them more than the political leaders," said Grema Mundube, a community leader in the town of Monguno, in the far north of Nigeria. "Once we spoke to them and they saw us immunising our children, they gradually accepted the vaccine," he continued. Dr Musa Idowu Audu, coordinator for the WHO in Borno also took a moment to remember and thank the leaders and the officials who lost their lives or became victims of violence while making sure the vaccines reach the affeted children. Remembering the days and thanking teh officials for their efforts, eh said, "International agencies, local governments, donors — all partners took the bull by the horns to find new strategies to manage to reach these children." Audu also said that while he is happy that Africa will now be a 'polio-free' continent, he hopes no new case arrives from Afghanistan and Pakistan, and all children, in future, get vaccinated on time.

WHO to certify Africa 'polio free' after 30 years of fighting

Pakistan launched a special five-day anti-polio campaign on Monday in selected districts across the country to vaccinate children against the crippling disease, four months after the drive was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, officials said.

Pakistan on February 17 launched a countrywide anti-polio campaign to vaccinate about 39.6 million children under the age of five as the government appealed to the people for their support to eradicate polio. However, it was put on hold after the country recorded its first coronavirus case in February.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/anti-pakistan-protest-held-outside-10-downing-street-to-demand-justice-for-baloch-victims-314542">Also read:&nbsp;Anti-Pakistan protest held outside 10 Downing Street to demand justice for Baloch victims</a>

In Punjab province, the anti-polio drive was launched in 44 union councils of Faisalabad and 14 union councils of Attock. In Karachi, the drive would target Baldia, Orangi, North Nazimabad and Liaquatabad, according to officials of the National Institute of Health.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the campaign would focus on the South Waziristan district, while in Balochistan the drive would cover 10 Union Councils of Quetta, the provincial capital.

Special arrangements were made to provide security to the anti-polio campaign teams.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-coronavirus-tally-reaches-263496-314425">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan's coronavirus tally reaches 263,496</a>

Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria are the three countries in the world where polio is still endemic.

This year so far 59 new cases have been reported. Last year, 147 polio cases were reported nationwide, far higher than 12 in 2018 and eight in 2017.

Prime Minister Imran Khan in December last said that it was a "matter of shame" that Pakistan was among the countries where polio was still prevalent.

Attempts to eradicate the disease have been seriously hampered by deadly targeting of vaccination teams in recent years by militants, who oppose the drives, claiming the polio drops cause infertility.

Attacks on immunisation teams have claimed nearly 70 lives since December 2012.

Last month, Pakistan's Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa told billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates that despite the COVID-19 outbreak, the country will restart the anti-polio campaign in the coming weeks and the military will support the government's efforts.

Pakistan launched a special five-day anti-polio campaign on Monday in selected districts across the country to vaccinate children against the crippling disease, four months after the drive was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, officials said.

Pakistan launched a special five-day anti-polio campaign on Monday in selected districts across the country to vaccinate children against the crippling disease, four months after the drive was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, officials said. Pakistan on February 17 launched a countrywide anti-polio campaign to vaccinate about 39.6 million children under the age of five as the government appealed to the people for their support to eradicate polio. However, it was put on hold after the country recorded its first coronavirus case in February. Also read: Anti-Pakistan protest held outside 10 Downing Street to demand justice for Baloch victims In Punjab province, the anti-polio drive was launched in 44 union councils of Faisalabad and 14 union councils of Attock. In Karachi, the drive would target Baldia, Orangi, North Nazimabad and Liaquatabad, according to officials of the National Institute of Health. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the campaign would focus on the South Waziristan district, while in Balochistan the drive would cover 10 Union Councils of Quetta, the provincial capital. Special arrangements were made to provide security to the anti-polio campaign teams. Also read: Pakistan's coronavirus tally reaches 263,496 Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria are the three countries in the world where polio is still endemic. This year so far 59 new cases have been reported. Last year, 147 polio cases were reported nationwide, far higher than 12 in 2018 and eight in 2017. Prime Minister Imran Khan in December last said that it was a "matter of shame" that Pakistan was among the countries where polio was still prevalent. Attempts to eradicate the disease have been seriously hampered by deadly targeting of vaccination teams in recent years by militants, who oppose the drives, claiming the polio drops cause infertility. Attacks on immunisation teams have claimed nearly 70 lives since December 2012. Last month, Pakistan's Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa told billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates that despite the COVID-19 outbreak, the country will restart the anti-polio campaign in the coming weeks and the military will support the government's efforts.

Pak resumes polio vaccination campaign amid COVID-19 pandemic

The polio virus has spread to three provinces of Afghanistan that had not reported cases for up to five years. Balkh, Herat, and Badakhshan have each declared a single case. Watch report.

New Polio cases reported in Afghanistan | Balkh, Herat, Badakhshan

The threat of coronavirus is not the only concern for Afghanistan as the country recently detected polio in regions which were earlier declared free of this life-threatening disease.&nbsp;

The provinces of Balkh, Herat and Badakhshan have reported one case each of polio.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/polio-immunisation-suspended-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-290494">Polio immunisation suspended amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

Jan Rasekh, a spokesperson of Afghanistan's polio eradication programme, said that these three provinces have not reported a single case for up to five years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-faces-fresh-polio-cases-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-289450">Pakistan faces fresh polio cases amid coronavirus outbreak</a>

Although the overall cases this year, 14, were less compared to 26 that were reported last year, however, the areas where polio is spreading remain a concern.&nbsp;

"We had worked hard for years and cornered polio to a limited geography," Rasekh said, reported AFP.&nbsp;

"The coronavirus has helped polio spread beyond its endemic region of south and southeast, and now threatens people across the country."

The UN children's agency UNICEF last month suspended polio eradication drives in dozens of nations, while measles vaccination campaigns were also put on hold in 27 countries.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two nations remaining in the world where polio virus is still not eradicated.

However, the polio immunisation drive in Afghanistan was halted to prevent the spread of coronavirus.&nbsp;

Rasekh said that only two immunisation drive could take place in country, which usually conducts up to 10 such drives each year.&nbsp;

He hopes that such campaigns would be resumed by July.&nbsp;

Taliban also acts as a hurdle, as Rasekh adds that they don't allow house-to-house campaigns in the areas under them.&nbsp;

Also, Taliban and religious organisations see vaccines as a Western conspiracy to sterile Muslim children and believe immunisation drives are used to spy on militant activities.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The threat of coronavirus is not the only concern for Afghanistan as the country recently detected polio in regions which were earlier declared free of this life-threatening disease.

The threat of coronavirus is not the only concern for Afghanistan as the country recently detected polio in regions which were earlier declared free of this life-threatening disease. The provinces of Balkh, Herat and Badakhshan have reported one case each of polio. Also read | Polio immunisation suspended amid coronavirus pandemic Jan Rasekh, a spokesperson of Afghanistan's polio eradication programme, said that these three provinces have not reported a single case for up to five years. Also read | Pakistan faces fresh polio cases amid coronavirus outbreak Although the overall cases this year, 14, were less compared to 26 that were reported last year, however, the areas where polio is spreading remain a concern. "We had worked hard for years and cornered polio to a limited geography," Rasekh said, reported AFP. "The coronavirus has helped polio spread beyond its endemic region of south and southeast, and now threatens people across the country." The UN children's agency UNICEF last month suspended polio eradication drives in dozens of nations, while measles vaccination campaigns were also put on hold in 27 countries. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two nations remaining in the world where polio virus is still not eradicated. However, the polio immunisation drive in Afghanistan was halted to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Rasekh said that only two immunisation drive could take place in country, which usually conducts up to 10 such drives each year. He hopes that such campaigns would be resumed by July. Taliban also acts as a hurdle, as Rasekh adds that they don't allow house-to-house campaigns in the areas under them. Also, Taliban and religious organisations see vaccines as a Western conspiracy to sterile Muslim children and believe immunisation drives are used to spy on militant activities.

Concerns rise after fresh polio cases emerge in Afghanistan

In the wake of coronavirus pandemic, health officials are forced to suspend their polio immunisation efforts across the world.

All polio activities including national vaccination campaigns and house-to-house surveillance "should be suspended to avoid placing communities and frontline workers at unnecessary risk," the World Health Organisation and its partners decided on Thursday.

The announcement came after a meeting last week of the Polio Oversight Board, an expert body coordinated by WHO and partners.

The experts noted that while halting efforts to stop polio is necessary given the speed at which COVID-19 is infecting people globally, it will undoubtedly result in the increased spread of the paralytic disease and the numbers of children paralyzed by the virus.

The mass vaccination campaigns which occur as frequently as every month&nbsp;are critical to stopping polio, as eradication requires that more than 95 per cent of children under 5 be immunised.

The global effort to wipe out polio began in 1988 and was intended to eliminate the disease by 2000.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the wake of coronavirus pandemic, health officials are forced to suspend their polio immunisation efforts across the world. All polio activities including national vaccination campaigns and house-to-house surveillance "should be suspended to avoid placing communities and frontline workers at unnecessary risk," the World Health Organisation and its partners decided on Thursday.

In the wake of coronavirus pandemic, health officials are forced to suspend their polio immunisation efforts across the world. All polio activities including national vaccination campaigns and house-to-house surveillance "should be suspended to avoid placing communities and frontline workers at unnecessary risk," the World Health Organisation and its partners decided on Thursday. The announcement came after a meeting last week of the Polio Oversight Board, an expert body coordinated by WHO and partners. The experts noted that while halting efforts to stop polio is necessary given the speed at which COVID-19 is infecting people globally, it will undoubtedly result in the increased spread of the paralytic disease and the numbers of children paralyzed by the virus. The mass vaccination campaigns which occur as frequently as every month are critical to stopping polio, as eradication requires that more than 95 per cent of children under 5 be immunised. The global effort to wipe out polio began in 1988 and was intended to eliminate the disease by 2000. (With inputs from agencies)

Polio immunisation suspended amid coronavirus pandemic

While health authorities in the country are finding it difficult to deal with a sudden spike in the number of coronavirus patients, several new cases of poliovirus have been reported in Pakistan, worsening the current health crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-way-to-curb-coronavirus-harass-its-own-citizens-and-put-them-in-jail-289443" hreflang="en">Pakistan's way to curb coronavirus: Harass its own citizens and put them in jail</a>

Three boys have been paralysed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in the northwest part of the country by crippling polio, taking up the current year`s tally to 36 on Monday, Dawn reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-virus-continues-to-spread-in-pakistan-as-1625-cases-reported-289435" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Virus continues to spread in Pakistan as 1,625 cases reported</a>

An official working for the National Institute of Health confirmed that a nine-month-old boy, a resident of Lakki Marwat District, with his right upper limb paralysed, was among the three infected by the poliovirus.

Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by poliovirus and it mainly affects children under the age of five. The poliovirus targets the nervous system and can cause paralysis in the entire body, including death in severe circumstances. While there is no cure for polio, vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from this crippling disease.

Each time children under five are vaccinated, their protection against the virus is increased.In 2019, there had been a sudden uptick in the number of polio cases following malicious anti-vaccine campaigns, and higher rates of refusals as a result of them.Polio has largely been eliminated from the world -- even in countries with higher population densities, greater issues with sanitation and longer-lasting conflicts -- apart from Pakistan and Afghanistan where polio cases are still reported.The World Health Organisation had imposed a polio-linked travel restriction on Pakistan in 2014.

Since then, every Pakistani traveling abroad has to carry a polio vaccination certificate along with other valid documents.On Monday, health authorities also confirmed that the coronavirus has infected at least 16,00 people in Pakistan while 17 others have succumbed to the killer bug.

While health authorities in the country are finding it difficult to deal with a sudden spike in the number of coronavirus patients, several new cases of poliovirus have been reported in Pakistan, worsening the current health crisis.

While health authorities in the country are finding it difficult to deal with a sudden spike in the number of coronavirus patients, several new cases of poliovirus have been reported in Pakistan, worsening the current health crisis. Also read: Pakistan's way to curb coronavirus: Harass its own citizens and put them in jail Three boys have been paralysed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in the northwest part of the country by crippling polio, taking up the current year`s tally to 36 on Monday, Dawn reported. Also read: Coronavirus: Virus continues to spread in Pakistan as 1,625 cases reported An official working for the National Institute of Health confirmed that a nine-month-old boy, a resident of Lakki Marwat District, with his right upper limb paralysed, was among the three infected by the poliovirus. Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by poliovirus and it mainly affects children under the age of five. The poliovirus targets the nervous system and can cause paralysis in the entire body, including death in severe circumstances. While there is no cure for polio, vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from this crippling disease. Each time children under five are vaccinated, their protection against the virus is increased.In 2019, there had been a sudden uptick in the number of polio cases following malicious anti-vaccine campaigns, and higher rates of refusals as a result of them.Polio has largely been eliminated from the world -- even in countries with higher population densities, greater issues with sanitation and longer-lasting conflicts -- apart from Pakistan and Afghanistan where polio cases are still reported.The World Health Organisation had imposed a polio-linked travel restriction on Pakistan in 2014. Since then, every Pakistani traveling abroad has to carry a polio vaccination certificate along with other valid documents.On Monday, health authorities also confirmed that the coronavirus has infected at least 16,00 people in Pakistan while 17 others have succumbed to the killer bug.

Pakistan faces fresh polio cases amid coronavirus outbreak

A policeman was killed and two others wounded Tuesday by a roadside bomb aimed at polio vaccination workers in Pakistan's restive northwest, officials said. The attack came a day after Islamabad launched a nationwide anti-polio drive, aiming to immunise tens of millions of children in Pakistan - one of only three countries, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria, where the crippling disease remains endemic.

A policeman was killed and two others wounded Tuesday by a roadside bomb aimed at polio vaccination workers in Pakistan's restive northwest, officials said. The attack came a day after Islamabad launched a nationwide anti-polio drive, aiming to immunise tens of millions of children in Pakistan - one of only three countries, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria, where the crippling disease remains endemic. Opposition to inoculations grew after the CIA organised a fake vaccination drive to help track down Al-Qaeda's former leader Osama Bin Laden in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad. According to Captain Wahid Mehmood, a district police chief, a police van monitoring the polio team was hit on the outskirts of the northwestern city of Dera Ismail Khan. "It was an IED (improvised explosive device) explosion in which one of our policemen got martyred while two others were wounded", Mehmood told reporters. Also Read: Pakistan approaches international community over Kashmir but commits genocide in Balochistan: Baloch leader adaqat Khan, a local police official, confirmed the toll. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the Pakistani Taliban and other militants have targeted polio vaccinators in the past. The nationwide polio vaccination campaign aims to vaccinate some 39 million children. Tuesday's attack follows a devastating year in Pakistan's long fight against polio, with at least 17 cases reported in 2020 so far. In 2019, the number of polio cases jumped to 144 from just 12 in 2018. Even as Pakistan has tried to eliminate polio, a new challenge has emerged in the form of a growing global movement against vaccinations. The phenomenon has attracted adherents worldwide, fuelled by medically baseless claims and proliferated on social media resulting in a resurgence of once-eradicated, highly contagious diseases.

Pakistan policeman killed as blast hits polio vaccine team

Directorate of Family Welfare, MCH and Immunization on Wednesday said that the recent Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme has succeeded in achieving 100 per cent coverage of target population in Jammu and Kashmir as 19,85,021 children in the age bracket of 0-5 years were administered oral polio vaccine against the target of 19,85,021 children.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-to-import-polio-markers-from-india-price-of-89-medicines-reduced-by-15-270164/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the figures compiled by Data and Media Cell, Directorate of Family Welfare, MCH and Immunization, in Kashmir division, against the total target of 10,69,470 children, 10,64,941 children were administered oral polio vaccine against the crippling disease.

Whereas, in the Jammu division, against the target of 9,15,551 children, 9,20,439 children were given polio drops amounting to 100 per cent of the total target children.

Respective divisional and district administrations had made elaborate arrangements to cover all the children in the age group of 0-5 years. Furthermore, health workers and volunteers carried door-to-door visits in their allotted areas to ensure no child is left out of the vaccination programme.&nbsp;

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Directorate of Family Welfare, MCH and Immunization on Wednesday said that the recent Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme has succeeded in achieving 100 per cent coverage of target population in Jammu and Kashmir as 19,85,021 children in the age bracket of 0-5 years were administered oral polio vaccine against the target of 19,85,021 children.

Directorate of Family Welfare, MCH and Immunization on Wednesday said that the recent Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme has succeeded in achieving 100 per cent coverage of target population in Jammu and Kashmir as 19,85,021 children in the age bracket of 0-5 years were administered oral polio vaccine against the target of 19,85,021 children. According to the figures compiled by Data and Media Cell, Directorate of Family Welfare, MCH and Immunization, in Kashmir division, against the total target of 10,69,470 children, 10,64,941 children were administered oral polio vaccine against the crippling disease. Whereas, in the Jammu division, against the target of 9,15,551 children, 9,20,439 children were given polio drops amounting to 100 per cent of the total target children. Respective divisional and district administrations had made elaborate arrangements to cover all the children in the age group of 0-5 years. Furthermore, health workers and volunteers carried door-to-door visits in their allotted areas to ensure no child is left out of the vaccination programme.

Jammu and Kashmir: More than 19 lakh children registered for polio vaccination

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