The polio war

Polio remains a significant challenge in Pakistan, with a recent surge in cases prompting renewed efforts to combat the disease. As of now, Pakistan has reported 48 polio cases from across the country. One of the major hurdles in eradicating polio in Pakistan is the violence against health workers and the police protecting them. Militants often target these workers, falsely claiming that vaccination campaigns are a Western conspiracy. The way forward involves continued and intensified vaccination campaigns, ensuring that every child under the age of five receives the polio vaccine.

Engaging local communities and leaders to support vaccination efforts can help overcome resistance and misinformation, while providing better security for health workers to protect them from militant attacks is also essential. Increasing public awareness about the importance of polio vaccination and dispelling the myths surrounding it can encourage more parents to vaccinate their children.

Umair Aslam Muhammadi

Sukkur