Latest news with #OralPolioVaccine
Business Recorder
9 hours ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Two new polio cases push Pakistan's 2025 tally to 21
The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH) has confirmed two new cases of polio in Pakistan, climbing the countrywide tally to 21 this year. According to the official of Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication, one case was reported from district Kohistan Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the other from district Badin, Sindh. The latest cases involve a 72-month-old girl from Union Council Pattan in District Kohistan Lower and a 21-month-old girl from Union Council Matli-2 in District Badin. With these detections, the total number of polio cases in Pakistan in 2025 has reached 21 with 13 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, six from Sindh, and one each from Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan. Unfinished fight against poliovirus He said that polio is a highly infectious and incurable disease that can cause lifelong paralysis. The only effective protection is through repeated doses of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) for every child under five during each campaign, alongside timely completion of all routine immunizations. He said that despite significant progress, the continued detection of polio cases shows that children remain at risk in areas with low vaccine acceptance. He added from September 1 to 7, 2025, a Sub-National Polio Vaccination Campaign will take place, targeting more than 28 million children under the age of five in 99 districts across all provinces and regions. The official said that the campaign in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be conducted from September 15. The goal is to ensure every child in these districts receives the vaccine to protect them from the lifelong consequences of polio. NIH confirms three new polio cases 'This campaign is part of ongoing efforts to quickly strengthen immunity among children and close existing protection gaps,' he added. He said that parents and caregivers have been urged to ensure their children receive the polio vaccine during this and every campaign. He said while frontline health workers continue to deliver critical vaccines to children, parents and caregivers can play an important role by ensuring their children receive all recommended doses of the polio vaccine and complete their routine immunizations. He said communities can protect their children by actively supporting vaccination efforts, countering misinformation, and encouraging others to vaccinate.
Express Tribune
01-07-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
N Waziristan case takes tally to 14
The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad, has confirmed a polio case from North Waziristan district, South Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. A 19-month-old boy from Union Council Miranshah-3 has been identified as the eighth polio case from K-P this year. With this latest detection, the total number of polio cases reported in Pakistan in 2025 has risen to 14 - including eight from K-P, four from Sindh, and one each from Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan. Polio is a highly infectious and incurable disease that can cause lifelong paralysis. The only effective protection is through repeated doses of the oral polio vaccine (OPV) for every child under five during each campaign, along with timely completion of all essential immunizations. While nationwide efforts to eradicate polio continue to improve the quality of vaccination campaigns, the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain a major concern due to limited access and challenges in conducting house-to-house vaccination. These obstacles result in missed opportunities, leaving thousands of children unvaccinated and vulnerable to poliovirus. A special vaccination activity was conducted in six union councils of Bannu from June 23 to 28, during which 17,485 children received the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). A similar targeted vaccination drive is being planned in 11 union councils of North Waziristan. Additionally, preparations are underway for a large-scale special vaccination campaign in South K-P, scheduled for August. Recent polio cases in South K-P are a stark reminder that children missed during vaccination campaigns remain at serious risk. While the programme is making every effort to reach every child, the role of parents is critical.
Zawya
12-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya Bolsters Immunisation Drive as Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hon. Aden Duale Flags Off 6.2 Million Vaccine Doses to Counties
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today flagged off 3 million doses of BCG (used to prevent tuberculosis) and 3.2 million doses of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) at Afya House, Nairobi, marking a major boost to Kenya's national immunisation programme. During the flag-off, the CS called on all county governments—through the Council of Governors (CoG) and their County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) for Health—to prioritise the collection of the vaccines from regional depots and ensure timely distribution to health facilities, particularly in remote and underserved areas. Hon. Duale commended the government for moving with urgency to facilitate the delivery of the vaccines, describing it as a strong demonstration of Kenya's commitment to safeguarding the health of its children. He acknowledged immunisation partners, including UNICEF, for their rapid procurement and delivery of the vaccines, and reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to minimise disruptions and sustain the country's immunisation momentum. Parents and Caregivers across the country are encouraged to visit local health facilities to have their children vaccinated and catch up on any missed doses. The CS was joined by Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga (Medical Services) and Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, CoG CEO Ms. Mary Mwiti, and representatives from UNICEF and the World Health Organization. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Business Recorder
26-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Eradication of polio: Top paediatricians, major hospitals join hands
LAHORE: In a major step toward eradicating polio from Pakistan, leading paediatricians and major hospitals across Punjab have partnered with the Punjab Government and Punjab Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in support of the upcoming National Polio Vaccination Campaign, commencing today (Monday), May 26. The campaign aims to vaccinate over 23 million children under the age of five, with the help of more than 200,000 polio workers. The campaign will run for 7 days in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad, while in other districts, the drive will continue for 5 days. Renowned paediatricians from key hospitals in Lahore and beyond have voiced their strong support for the campaign and the critical role of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) in building herd immunity and protecting children against lifelong paralysis. 'We are proud to stand with the Punjab government in this national effort,' said Dr Shahzad Haider, a senior paediatrician at Defence Hospital, Lahore. 'Oral Polio Vaccine is safe, effective, and essential to developing community-level immunity. Every child must be vaccinated in every campaign to ensure we close the immunity gap.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
NDTV
23-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Expert Speaks: All About Polio Vaccination
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease caused by the poliovirus. While many associate it only with paralysis, the virus can also infect children without causing any noticeable symptoms a condition known as asymptomatic polio. These individuals, despite not showing signs of illness, can still spread the virus, making them silent carriers and posing a risk to public health. While there is no cure, vaccination is the best way to prevent polio. Understanding the importance of polio vaccine Polio vaccination is the only effective way to prevent the disease, especially in children. Polio can present in three main forms: Asymptomatic infection - where the person shows no symptoms but can transmit the virus. Non-paralytic polio - symptoms may include fever, headache, vomiting, fatigue, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the limbs. Paralytic polio - the most severe form, resulting in permanent muscle weakness or paralysis, typically in the legs. Once paralysis occurs, there is no treatment that can reverse it. Physiotherapy may help improve mobility, but full recovery is rare. As there is no cure for polio, prevention through vaccination is critical. The vaccine not only protects children from paralysis but also reduces the overall presence of the virus in the community. Why polio vaccination is essential for the society Vaccinating children helps break the chain of transmission. Since the poliovirus spreads via the fecal-oral route mainly through contaminated food and water and poor sanitation and hygiene can accelerate its spread. In communities with high vaccination coverage, the virus cannot find new hosts, effectively containing and eventually eradicating it. It's very important to not miss it so that our country remains Polio free (Polio was eradicated in March 2014) Children are the most vulnerable group, particularly under the age of five. If polio re-emerges in a society due to low vaccination rates, it can hinder societal development, put public health systems under strain, and even paralyze productivity, especially in epidemics. Types of polio vaccines and their role There are two main types of polio vaccines: Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): This is a live, attenuated vaccine given by mouth. It not only protects the vaccinated children but also helps build herd immunity by spreading to others through the stool, thereby exposing others to a weakened virus that triggers immunity. Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV): Given as an injection, this contains a killed version of the virus. It is safe, highly effective, and does not carry a risk of vaccine-derived polio. During pulse immunization drives, it is crucial that every child under the age of five receives the vaccine. Parents must ensure they take their children to the nearest vaccination centre. Health officials often visit residential buildings to administer these doses. It's important not to skip the pulse polio dose, even if your child is already following the routine national immunization schedule. These additional doses are administered in response to suspected cases or potential threats in the community, and are essential to prevent the spread of infection and protect every child. Ring immunisation is when there is a suspected case and pulse immunisation is given irrespective of cases on a regular basis. Recommended age and schedule for polio vaccination The polio vaccination schedule typically includes a combination of OPV and IPV: At Birth: One dose of Oral Polio Vaccine. 6, 10, and 14 weeks: Injectable Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) given at each of these intervals. Booster Dose: At 18 months of age. Additional Dose: In areas with poor hygiene or risk of outbreak, another dose may be given at 5 years of age. By 18 months, a child should have completed the primary vaccination schedule. However, continued surveillance and booster doses, especially in high-risk areas, are vital to prevent any resurgence. (Dr. Preetha Joshi, Consultant, Neonatal, Pediatric and Cardiac Intensivist, Kokilaben Dhriubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai) Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
