IT is frustrating enough that Pakistan is among the four countries of the world where polio remains endemic. However, if reports are to be believed it seems the world may be set to give Pakistan an ultimatum. According to a report in this newspaper quoting a World Health Organisation source, some European countries may impose travel restrictions on Pakistanis if this country fails to eradicate polio by 2012. The World Bank may also convert a grant for polio vaccinations into a loan if Pakistan fails to stamp out the disease by that date. Several factors have led to a resurgence of polio even though the country initially saw some success in controlling it. Among these is the crisis of millions of internally displaced people who, in recent years, have had to relocate due to either conflict or natural disaster. In doing so, there have been cases where the virus was reintroduced in hitherto clean areas. There have also been problems with the vaccines' storage, particularly with maintaining the cold chain. People's lack of awareness is another issue. One recalls the propaganda against polio drops in the north-western parts of the country in particular, especially during the brief period in which the Taliban controlled Swat: people were misinformed that the drops would render their children sterile. Just this week, it was reported that elders from four union councils in Lakki Marwat have refused to have their children immunised against polio as the government has failed to provide doctors for the local hospital. This strange protest is akin to punishing one's own children.

The penalties reportedly being considered reflect the world's concern about Pakistan's inability to counter polio. Though a few years ago it seemed as if the battle against the disease had nearly been won, today, partly due to negligence and partly due to factors beyond human control, the gains have nearly all been reversed. In the first six months of 2011 over 50 polio cases have been reported in Pakistan; the number in India and Afghanistan, also polio endemic countries, is five and four respectively. Yet, regardless of the size of the challenge, the state needs to tackle polio head on.