This publication advocates for persons with disabilities to become active participants, and not to be overlooked in relief and response actions.

The eradication of polio is an important priority for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are closer than we have ever been to eradicating polio and it is critical that we take advantage of this opportunity.

Link: Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin - Disease early warning system and response in Pakistan, Volume 4, Issue 18

Highlights

Epidemiological week no. 19 (5 to 11 May 2013)

• Measles: This week a total of 37 alerts investigated. 403 measles cases were reporting from 17 districts.
Vitamin‐A drops provided to all the suspects and district health teams took action to improve vaccination in affected areas.

• 64 districts and 1758 health facilities have reported to DEWS this week 19, compared with 66 districts with 1913 health facilities shared weekly data in week 18, 2013 to the Disease Early Warning System (DEWS).

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has extended additional financial support to UNDP in Pakistan for US$ 1.3 million bringing its total contribution to US$ 6.7 million for community infrastructure restoration and rehabilitation in the crisis affected areas of district Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

(Extract)

Strong biosecurity measures needed to contain bird flu Implementing strong biosecurity measures coupled with good hygiene are required to contain the spread of the H7N9 strain of avian influenza virus, Hiroyuki Konuma, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific told a press conference in Bangkok on April 11. The virus had infected 82 people and killed 17 in China by April 19.

The region’s urban population is set to double by 2030, with India alone adding 90 million city dwellers to its metropolises since 2000.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan [ACTED News] - Around 8,000 families (48,000 individuals) have been displaced in the past week due to tension within Central Kurrram Agency in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Pakistan. The twenty-nine affected villages of Para Chamkani were declared as conflict zones by national authorities, which enables the families from that area to register for assistance. Most of the displaced families have moved to lower parts of Kurram Agency such as Khar, Khazi Khel and Palash Khel, where they are now living without basic food and health facilities.