PAKISTAN still has a long way to go in defeating polio. Despite our decades-long fight against the debilitating disease, many challenges remain. The recent deadly attacks on polio teams and the rising number of vaccine refusals highlight a dual crisis: inadequate security for health workers and deep-rooted mistrust in vaccination. If we are to rid ourselves of polio, these two obstacles need urgent attention. First and foremost, the security of polio teams must be prioritised. As we saw on Tuesday, attacks in KP have resulted in tragic losses, with policemen and polio workers targeted while on duty. These brave individuals deserve our appreciation for their relentless efforts to protect our children, at great personal risk. Given the heightened risks in regions with active militancy, the government must deploy personnel trained in counterterrorism tactics for polio campaigns. Alternatively, police officers could receive specialised training and modern protection equipment to respond effectively to threats.

In Sindh, where parental refusal rates have soared as high as 85pc in a metropolis such as Karachi, the task at hand is not only logistical but also cultural. Widespread myths linking the polio vaccine to infertility or other adverse effects have stoked fear and resistance. This is where the role of the clergy cannot be overstated in dispelling such misconceptions. Encouragingly, the Sindh government has already engaged ulema in the vaccination campaign. Other provinces should follow suit. The involvement of clerics could be a game changer for public perception. They can speak to communities — such as during Friday sermons — clarify that the polio vaccine is safe, and reaffirm its alignment with religious principles. Alongside these measures, the government must launch large-scale media campaigns to counter vaccine misinformation. These campaigns should be targeted at high-refusal regions and be designed to debunk myths while promoting the vaccine’s benefits. Pakistan, which had come close to eradication, now stands at the brink of another resurgence. India and Bangladesh have managed to eradicate polio, demonstrating that elimination is achievable with consistent effort and strategic planning. Polio is endemic to only two countries now: war-ravaged Afghanistan and Pakistan, which should make us reflect. What excuse do we have? Our government’s commitment will determine the path we take. Polio eradication is within reach, but only if our response meets the scale of the challenge.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2024