MONDAY’s attacks on polio workers in Karak and Bannu that martyred Constable Irfanullah and wounded two vaccinators is another dark reminder of our struggle against polio. That such attacks continue to occur during vaccination drives, with militants targeting those protecting our children’s future, shows the severe security crisis at the heart of Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts. It is a distressing tale: at least 63 children crippled by polio in 2024, with the virus now present in 83 districts. Just as concerning is the persistent targeting of vaccination teams in KP and Balochistan. While the authorities deploy thousands of police personnel — 1,550 in Lakki Marwat and 2,500 in Bannu alone — for protection, these security arrangements need reassessment and strengthening. The geographic spread of cases, with Balochistan accounting for 41pc of the total, closely correlates with areas where security challenges are most acute. This is no coincidence. The inability to safely conduct door-to-door vaccination in these regions has created pockets where the virus continues to find vulnerable children, undermining nationwide eradication efforts.

The recently approved National Emergency Action Plan for Polio for 2024-25 must prioritise a comprehensive security strategy. This should include enhanced intelligence gathering to prevent attacks, better coordination among LEAs, and the creation of rapid response teams. Additionally, the government must consider innovative approaches such as establishing secure vaccination points in high-risk areas where door-to-door visits are particularly dangerous. Beyond immediate security steps, the authorities must address the root causes that make vaccination teams targets. This requires a multifaceted approach: engaging local communities through influential leaders, countering anti-vaccination propaganda that fuels violence, and ensuring that security arrangements do not create fear or resistance among local populations. The martyrdom of police officers and targeting of health workers cannot become normalised statistics. While international partners provide crucial support, the security of our vaccination teams is a sovereign responsibility. Unless we guarantee the safety of these front-line workers, who risk their lives to protect our children, Pakistan’s battle against polio will continue to be fought with one hand tied behind our back. The government must recognise that each security lapse not only costs precious lives but also pushes us further from our goal of a polio-free Pakistan. Our children’s future depends on our ability to protect those who protect them.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2024