COVID-19 Pandemic Fueled Resurgence of Polio in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Fifty Million Children Did Not Receive Polio Vaccines

In February, the Covid-19 pandemic halted polio immunization campaigns across Afghanistan and Pakistan, fueling a new resurgence of polio in children. https://t.co/VaIhFQSc5K

— Smithsonian Magazine (@SmithsonianMag) December 2, 2020

Health Editor’s Note: The COVID-19 pandemic caused the halt of the polio campaign in Pakistan and Afghanistan which are the only two countries in the world to have polio outbreaks. Children and babies are the targeted audience for polio vaccines and with the closure of medical facilities there have been 54 children, between 3 months and 3 years who have developed polio. With lockdowns and quarantine and insecurity caused by the pandemic, parents were unable to bring their children for vaccinations so 50 million children are without their polio vaccines. Now children have a huge chance of getting polio along with COVID-19. Polio will cause paralysis that cannot be reversed. One person with polio can place 200 at risk. All children need polio vaccines…..Carol

Carol Duff, MSN, BA, RN

Carol graduated from Riverside White Cross School of Nursing in Columbus, Ohio and received her diploma as a registered nurse. She attended Bowling Green State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Literature. She attended the University of Toledo, College of Nursing, and received a Master’s of Nursing Science Degree as an Educator.

She has traveled extensively, is a photographer, and writes on medical issues. Carol has three children RJ, Katherine, and Stephen – one daughter-in-law; Katie – two granddaughters; Isabella Marianna and Zoe Olivia – and one grandson, Alexander Paul. She also shares her life with her husband Gordon Duff, many cats, and two rescues.

• Carol’s Archives 2009-2013