Pakistan has initiated a week-long nationwide vaccination campaign aimed at safeguarding 45 million children against polio, according to government officials. This comes as the country continues its battle against the virus, which remains endemic in Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan, the only two countries where the potentially lethal disease has not been eradicated.
Recent polio cases and vaccination efforts
Since the beginning of this year, Pakistan has reported only six confirmed cases of polio. In stark contrast, the previous year saw a significant increase in infections, with the number rising to 74 cases from just one in 2021. The rise in cases has prompted authorities to intensify vaccination efforts to prevent further outbreaks.
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has called upon parents to actively participate in the campaign by ensuring their children receive the vaccine. Health workers will be conducting door-to-door visits to administer vaccinations, a method that has proven effective in reaching children in various communities. However, these health efforts are often met with resistance; health professionals have faced threats and violence from militants who propagate the false narrative that vaccination campaigns are part of a Western conspiracy aimed at sterilizing Muslim children.
Protection for health workers amid threats
On Monday, a violent incident occurred in Azam Warsak, located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where local police reported the shooting of a militant who attacked officers assigned to protect health workers involved in the polio vaccination drive. Fortunately, all police personnel were unharmed in the incident, highlighting the risks health workers face during these campaigns.
Since the 1990s, the challenges for vaccination efforts have been severe, with over 200 polio workers and police officers assigned to their protection losing their lives to violence. These attacks underscore the urgency of not only the vaccination initiatives but also the need for enhanced security measures to protect those undertaking this critical public health mission.
“We urge parents to cooperate with our medical teams to ensure the safety and health of their children,” stated Health Minister Mustafa Kamal.