PMA sounds alarm: Pakistan's polio crisis worsens

IV Report

KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has condemned Pakistan's escalating polio crisis, labeling it "horrible" and questioning the national polio eradication programme's efficacy.

At a press conference on September 11, PMA leaders presented alarming statistics: 305 polio-containing environmental samples detected in 2024, surpassing Afghanistan's 66, with 17 polio cases reported in 33 districts.

"The recent surge in polio cases is a grave public health concern. We must unite to combat this crisis and protect our children," emphasised PMA (Central) Secretary General Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro.

Dr Shoro, joined by PMA (Karachi) President Dr Shoaib Sobani and Dr Shershah Syed, attributed the endemic situation to poor health infrastructure, political instability, and public mistrust in government initiatives.

To address the crisis, the PMA called for intensified vaccination campaigns, enhanced public awareness to dispel myths, community support for smooth polio campaigns, strengthened surveillance, and collaboration among stakeholders.

With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

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