Seven Polio Cases Recorded in Helmand, Raising Fears of Wider Spread
Health officials in Helmand say seven positive polio cases have been recorded in the province this year, a figure that places Helmand among Afghanistan’s provinces with the highest number of cases.
According to Dr. Naqibullah Fateh, the province’s public health director, 25 positive polio cases have been recorded across Afghanistan during the same period, seven of them in Helmand. He raised the issue during a meeting between health officials and the provincial governor.
The head of Helmand’s polio department said the cases were recorded in the districts of Nad Ali, Washer, Musa Qala, Nahr-e Saraj, Dishu and the city of Lashkargah. Based on the information, two cases were reported in Musa Qala district and one case in each of the other areas.
Health officials also said 16 environmental samples have so far been recorded in Helmand. These samples are used to monitor the circulation of the virus and detect polio.
Meanwhile, Helmand Governor Amaanuddin Mansoor on Tuesday met with Dr. Abdul Quddus Bariyal, head of Afghanistan’s Polio Eradication Public Operations Centre, and several health officials, and stressed the need for greater coordination to prevent the spread of the disease and expand vaccination coverage.
Officials said the next round of polio vaccination is due to begin in Helmand next Thursday. They have called on families and local institutions to cooperate with the campaign so that vaccines can reach all children.
Helmand is one of southern Afghanistan’s provinces, with Lashkargah as its capital. Polio, or infant paralysis, is a contagious viral disease that mainly affects children, and prevention depends largely on widespread vaccination.
