The first polio virus case has been confirmed in South Waziristan Lower during the current year, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.

On the occasion, Federal Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel said that the government was ensuring coordinated and effective measures to eradicate polio.

He added that the identification of polio virus highlighted Pakistan’s effective polio surveillance system. “Parents must get their children vaccinated against polio,” he emphasised.

“The virus is genetically identical to the virus found in September 2022. Parents should be aware of the risk of polio virus. This battle cannot be won without the support and help of parents. Vaccines are the only effective way to protect children from lifelong disabilities,” he added.

It is to be noted here that the last polio case from the district was reported in August 2022. In 2023, one case of polio has been reported so far.

Reporter: Kifayat Ali Shah