Cameroon Launches Safety Campaign After Polio Cases Emerge
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published February 25, 2021 | 06:00 PM
Yaound�, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Feb, 2021 ) :Cameroon on Thursday said it was launching a polio awareness campaign after two cases of the much-feared virus surfaced in the capital Yaounde.
Senior health ministry official Jose Shalom Tchokfe told AFP the authorities would advise the public about "respecting hygiene measures, stepping up routine vaccination and observing epidemiological vigilance." Health Minister Manaouda Malachie on Monday said "two cases of type 2 poliovirus" had been found in the Cite Verte district of Yaounde.
Polio's return to the central African country is "a public health emergency," he added.
"The risk of the spread of the virus is high," he said.
Polio is an infectious disease caused by a virus that infects the nervous system and can lead to irreversible paralysis.
It mainly harms young children, but can be prevented with a highly effective and very cheap vaccine.
Last August, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that wild polio virus had been eradicated in all 47 countries in its Africa region, after four years with no new cases and a major vaccination drive among children.
However, the fight against polio remains unfinished.
Cases of type 2 polio virus that have derived from oral vaccines have been sporadically recorded in several central African countries, requiring the need for swift immunisation to control outbreaks.
Malachie, in his statement, said the government had launched "an in-depth investigation, heightened awareness in the population and planning for vaccinations in high-risk zones."The cases have emerged as Cameroon fights a second wave of the Covid-19 epidemic. The country has a total of 33,749 cases, including 523 deaths.
Recent Stories
Saka and Odegaard start for Arsenal, Guerreiro in Bayern midfield
Qatar PM says re-evaluating Israel-Hamas mediation role
Govt spokesperson terms allegations of PTI's Marwat against Saudi Arabia 'heinou ..
Minister appreciate UAE’s support for Pakistan economic challenges
Manchester City v Real Madrid Champions League starting line-ups
MIGA's support Pakistan in attracting foreign investments: Federal Minister for ..
Walker returns to captain Man City for Real Madrid clash
Action taken against price list violations in Khanewal district
DC chairs review meeting of DEG
Turkey accuses Israel's Netanyahu of using war 'to stay in power'
Pakistan ranked 5th most vulnerable country to climate change. Tirmizi
Nadal comeback ends in Barcelona Open second round
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
3 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
3 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
3 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
6 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
9 days ago -
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
10 days ago
-
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
11 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
11 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
11 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
13 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
13 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre honoring Pir Hassam din Rashdi to take place on April 1
17 days ago