AFGHANISTAN: Nine new polio cases in south

Nine new cases of polio have been reported over the past month despite efforts to eradicate the disease in Afghanistan KABUL, 24 July 2008 (IRIN) - Despite high hopes for the eradication of polio in Afghanistan, nine new cases have been reported in three southern provinces over the past month. Six polio cases have been reported in Maiwand, Shahwali Kot and Gorak districts of Kandahar Province, two in Nadali District in neighbouring Helmand Province, and one in Urozgan Province since late June, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) said. This brings the total number of confirmed polio cases in the country in 2008 to 14. Five cases had been confirmed earlier in the year. “We believe there are several reasons for this new surge in polio cases - most importantly insecurity, population displacement and the repatriation of... [read full story]