Africa at risk of polio epidemic

FRESH cases of polio has spread to other countries in Africa, threatening a major epidemic in the region.

“Epidemiologists from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative confirmed the re-infection of Guinea and Mali, as well as three new cases in the Darfur region of Sudan,” said a statement from the World Health Organisation and other agencies.

The polio outbreak - which has spread from northern Nigeria - could turn into a major epidemic across central and western Africa as the polio “high season” begins in September, leaving thousands of African children paralysed for life.