ASIA/YEMEN - Polio strikes after an interval of almost 10 years 22 children affected

Monday, 2 May 2005

Rome (Fides Service) - Some 22 children in Yemen have developed poliomyelitis and the World Health Organisation WHO fears the epidemic may spread. This is the first new outbreak of polio since the disease was declared eradicated in Yemen in 1996.
On April 20 four cases were confirmed in the Red Sea coastal area. Now 18 more have been registered in various parts of the country including the capital San’a. Experts say the virus may easily spread through the Arabian peninsula because few children have been vaccinated.
To fight the epidemic three vaccination campaigns have been organised for a total cost of 4 million dollars. One campaign has been completed, the second will take place this month of May and the third will run in June.
To prevent the virus from spreading WHO operators and members of the Yemen Ministry of Health, epidemiologists and paediatricians are in the areas where it has been identified although it is impossible to establish the origin of the virus.
WHO and other international organisations launched a programme to eradicate polio from the whole world by the end of 2005. The programme foresees the vaccination of millions of children in different countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. (AP) (2/5/2005 Agenzia Fides; Righe:21 Parole233)


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