Pakistan and neighbouring Afghanistan are the last countries where polio remains endemic. Despite decades of vaccination campaigns, polio cases still occur annually in Pakistan. The main reasons include vaccine hesitancy in some people. Misinformation, distrust of health workers, and cultural misconceptions have led to vaccine hesitancy among certain communities.
This hesitancy has been a significant barrier to immunisation efforts, despite public health efforts to debunk these myths. Overcoming this barrier is crucial in order to eradicate polio in this country and ensure a safe future for all.
Sajid Awan
Dubai
UAE