Covid, insecurity fuel polio cases in Kandahar

KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): At least 14 positive cases of polio have been registered in southern Kandahar province during the ongoing year, compared to only six detected last year.

The polio cases have doubled in Kandahar during the period, Dr. Naqibullah Nazari, head of the immunisation unit in Kandahar, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

As many as 45 cases of polio have been registered across the country this year, with 36 detected in the chaotic southern zone.

Of the 36 cases, 14 were recorded in Kandahar, as many in Helmand, four in Uruzgan, one in Zabul and one in Nimroz.

The number of positive cases has reached 14 so far during this year, compared to six recorded last year.

Of the 14 cases, 2 have been reported in Kandahar City, three in Zherai district, three in Shah Walikot, one each in Panjwaee, Spin Boldak, Ghorak, Nesh and Maroof.

He said the Covid-19 pandemic was one reason behind the surge in polio cases as anti-polio vaccine could not be administered during the outbreak.

Health.

Dr. Abdul Qayyum Pukhla, the immunisation unit head for the south, confirmed the Taliban-imposed restrictions had deprived a million children of the vaccination.

Residents of Kandahar want the Taliban not to put the lives of their children at risk while pursuing their political goals.

Mohammad Musa, a resident of Shah Walikot district, told Pajhwok the Taliban had banned polio vaccination in many parts of the district.

sa/mud

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