CM Shah Urges Immediate Action Against Polio in Sindh

KARACHI: The fight against poliovirus in Pakistan has taken a concerning turn with the recent detection of another polio case in Hyderabad. This alarming situation has prompted Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to call for immediate and strict measures to combat the disease. The Chief Minister emphasized that despite the government's ongoing efforts, the results have not been as effective as hoped, primarily due to the non-cooperation of some parents who refuse to vaccinate their children.

In his statement, CM Shah highlighted the critical role that parental cooperation plays in the fight against polio. He stated, "Each refusal case also contributes to the spread of poliovirus in the environment." This underscores the importance of community involvement in public health initiatives. The Chief Minister urged parents to take action and protect their children from this crippling disease by ensuring they receive the necessary polio vaccinations.

As of now, Sindh has reported a total of five polio cases, while the entire country has seen 24 cases. CM Shah pointed out the severe implications of failing to eradicate the poliovirus, stating, "The failure to eradicate poliovirus has a cost which not only our children are paying but we, as a nation, would have to pay." This statement serves as a wake-up call for all stakeholders involved in the health sector.

In light of the new case, the Chief Minister has directed the health department to conduct a thorough inquiry into how this case emerged. He has requested that they frame recommendations to inform necessary policy decisions moving forward. This proactive approach aims to address the root causes of the issue and implement effective strategies to prevent further cases.

In a separate message on World News Day, CM Shah spoke about the importance of truth in media. He remarked, "The truth is truth if it is presented in true letter and spirit, but if a single word of untruth or exaggeration is added, the sanctity of it is tarnished." This statement reflects the growing concern over misinformation, especially in the age of social media, where everyone has the power to voice their opinions. The Chief Minister urged all forms of media—print, electronic, and social—to uphold the truth and distinguish between fact and fiction.

The fight against polio requires a collective effort from the government, health officials, and the community. Parents must understand the critical role they play in safeguarding their children's health. By coming together and prioritizing vaccination, we can protect future generations from the devastating effects of poliovirus. It is essential for everyone to stay informed and engaged in this public health battle, as the stakes are high, and the cost of inaction is too great to bear.