May 15, 2023
1 min read

Afghanistan reports first polio death of 2023

Family members of the child who died in Batikoot district said that one year ago their child was infected with polio and was paralyzed from the neck down…reports Asian Lite News

Afghanistan on Sunday reported its first death due to poliovirus in 2023 in Nangarhar, reported Tolo News.

The Ministry of Public Health reported two cases of polio in Nangarhar. A spokesman for the Health Ministry, Sharafat Zaman Amerkhail said that these two cases have been reported in Koot and Batikoot districts of Nangarhar province. One polio-stricken child has died. “In these two cases, one child is 4 years old and the other is 11. One of them lost their life and we want to start a polio vaccination campaign to prevent this disease,” said Amerkhail.

Family members of the child who died in Batikoot district said that one year ago their child was infected with polio and was paralyzed from the neck down and after severe diarrhoea died in the hospital.

The child was named Nazo, reported Tolo News.

“Her neck became paralyzed. She couldn’t control it. We took her to the hospital and on the night of Eid she died,” said Iqbal Shah, the grandfather of Nazo.

“After this disease (polio) her feet become tiny. Her stomach become acidic, she lost control of her neck and she couldn’t digest food,” said Zarmina, the mother of Nazo.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry said they will start a polio vaccination campaign soon.

A total of 56 cases of polio were reported in Afghanistan in 2020, while four cases were reported in 2021. Two instances of polio were reported last year. The number of polio cases in the country has hence been dropping.

Polio is a severely contagious and disabling disease typically spread through contaminated water or food. The infection can induce complete paralysis within hours after invading the nervous system.

As per reports, the contagious virus thrived in the borderland between Pakistan and Afghanistan, where terrorists attacked anti-polio teams, as per Khaama Press. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Jaishankar terms unsustainable debts as common concern for IOR

Previous Story

Russia calls for inclusive govt in Afghanistan

Next Story

China keen to invest in gas, oil sectors in Afghanistan

Latest from -Top News

London Puts Beijing on Hold

The proposed embassy, earmarked for the site of a historic two-century-old building near the Tower of London, has been bogged down in dispute for more than three years…reports Asian Lite News The

Fiji PM Rabuka Begins First India Visit

The visit comes just weeks after India and Fiji held the 6th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Suva, Fiji, in July 2025….reports Asian Lite News Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Ligamamada

Modi all set for Japan, China visits

By travelling to both Tokyo and Tianjin within the span of a week, Modi is set to balance strategic partnerships with Japan and cautious engagement with China – two relationships that will
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Imran in a fix as Pak Taliban to Resume Attacks

The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant outfit has declined to extend

‘Funds running dry’: WFP reveals growing crisis in Afghanistan

As the world’s attention shifts to the conflict and displacement