https://arab.news/nqegj
- Polio teams often face hostility in Pakistan, with militant groups targeting them and locals resisting their efforts
- Government promises to take strong action against cases of harassment or abuse directed at frontline workers
KARACHI: Pakistan’s government on Saturday said it would not tolerate the mistreatment of polio workers as the final vaccination campaign of the year to eradicate the disease concluded across much of the country amid a sharp increase in cases in 2024.
The weeklong nationwide vaccination drive, held Dec. 16-22, aimed to immunize 44 million children in 143 districts, according to the National Emergency Operation Center, which coordinates polio eradication efforts. Despite extensive efforts, the center reported that the 2024 tally reached 64 cases.
Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only two countries in the world where polio is endemic. Regular door-to-door campaigns have been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s eradication strategy, but vaccination teams often face hostility, with militant groups targeting workers. According to a recent report in Dawn, health officials in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said at least 20 people were killed in attacks on polio teams in the province this year. There were attacks in other regions as well, including Balochistan, where nine people, including five schoolchildren, were killed when attackers last month targeted police guarding a polio vaccination drive in Mastung.
In addition to security threats, cultural traditions and societal attitudes often hinder vaccination efforts. In some communities, there is a mistrust of vaccines due to misinformation, religious beliefs, or rumors about their effects. These factors contribute to resistance against vaccination campaigns, making it difficult for health workers to immunize every child, particularly in remote or conservative areas.
Earlier this week, authorities in Sindh arrested six people after a polio team was reportedly attacked by a tribal family in Karachi’s Korangi neighborhood.
“The government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against actions targeting polio workers,” said Ayesha Raza Farooq, the prime minister’s focal person for polio eradication, was quoted as saying in an official statement.
“Mistreatment of polio workers will not be tolerated,” she continued. “We are in contact with provincial authorities regarding incidents involving workers, and strict action will be taken against perpetrators.”
Farooq urged all provincial and district officials to take strong action against cases of harassment or abuse directed at frontline workers. She emphasized that protecting polio teams was critical to safeguarding children from the devastating effects of the disease.
The anti-polio campaign is yet to be carried out in Pakistan’s Balochistan province where officials announced a postponement of the vaccination drive until Dec. 30 due to a lack of preparedness.
The province has reported 26 cases this year, the highest in Pakistan, highlighting its vulnerability to the virus.
Farooq also appealed to communities to support and protect polio workers, calling them the backbone of the nation’s fight against polio.
“Ending polio is a national priority, and frontline workers are like our backbone [in this struggle],” she added.