Uganda in emergency polio drive

An emergency drive to immunise children against the effects of polio has been launched in Uganda.

The measure is being taken after the first case of the disease in the country in 13 years was confirmed, the AFP reports.

Sam Zeramba, director general of health services, told the news provider that it only takes one case of polio to classify it as an epidemic, which is why the country has begun an emergency drive.

It was added: "Now that the virus has finally entered the country, all children below five years are at risk of contracting the disease."

United Nations agencies will assist in the administering of immunisation vaccines, with all children under five years old requiring the treatment.

Nigeria, along with Pakistan, India and Afganistan, also still suffer from outbreaks of polio.

The disease is passed on through eating and drinking contaminated food and water and it is extremely infectious.

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