Polio resurfaces in Pakistan: Efforts to eradicate polio appear to have taken a blow following confirmation of a third case in Pakistan's Sindh Province this year. The disease was confirmed in a 16-month-old child in Shikarpur district, Sindh, on March 21. Following this, the health ministry launched a three-day campaign in Shikarpur and the two adjacent districts of Larkana and Kambar. The government has announced that it will cover all districts of Sindh during the next anti-polio drive scheduled for April. According to WHO, the world's success in eradicating polio depends on four countries where the virus remains endemic--Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Pakistan.
Flash floods hit war-torn Lanka: Flooding caused by torrential rains has affected 173,000 people in nine districts of Sri Lanka in the last two weeks of March. About 120,000 people have been hit in Batticaloa district alone. Families displaced by renewed war between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, who are currently living in camps, are the worst affected in the flood. Initial assessment reports say damage to crops could be high as the rains came just before the harvesting season. Increasing clashes are restricting access to the affected areas.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.