BANNU: Section 144 has been enforced in Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, for a duration of seven days, effective immediately, ARY News reported on Sunday.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Abdul Hameed announced the restrictions, which include a ban on carrying weapons, double riding on motorcycles, and using vehicles with tinted windows.
The DC stated that the measures have been implemented to support the anti-polio campaign scheduled to commence on Monday, December 16. He also warned of strict action against violators.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is gearing up for an anti-polio drive amid significant challenges such as vaccine refusal, missed targets, fake finger markings, and insufficient support from district administrations and health officers.
The province, home to 7.3 million children under the age of five out of the nationwide target of 44 million, faces persistent issues in vaccinating less than one percent of its target population, health officials revealed.
Understanding Polio and Its Risks
Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that attacks the nervous system, potentially causing total paralysis within hours. The virus primarily spreads through the faecal-oral route but can also be transmitted via contaminated food or water.
Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, and limb pain. In severe cases, one in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis, often affecting the legs. Among those paralysed, 5–10% succumb to respiratory muscle failure.
Although the disease mainly affects children under five, unvaccinated individuals of any age are at risk. There is no cure for polio, but it can be prevented with vaccines.
Polio Vaccines: A Lifelong Shield
Two types of polio vaccines are available—oral polio vaccine (OPV) and inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). Both are effective and safe, offering lifelong protection when administered multiple times. These vaccines are used in different combinations globally, based on local needs and epidemiological conditions, to ensure maximum coverage and safety.
