Pakistan has initiated its final nationwide vaccination campaign of the year in an effort to protect 45 million children from polio. This move comes after a recent increase in new cases has hindered the country's progress in eradicating the disease. According to the World Health Organization, Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan are the only two countries where polio has not been eradicated.
Since January, Pakistan has reported 63 confirmed cases of polio, highlighting the ongoing challenge the country faces in eliminating the virus. The current anti-polio drive is set to run until December 22, with the aim of reaching as many children as possible.
Despite facing obstacles such as violence targeting medical personnel and security forces involved in vaccination efforts, Pakistan continues to launch vaccination campaigns regularly. Some militant groups have spread misinformation, falsely claiming that vaccination programs are part of a Western conspiracy to harm children.
To ensure the safety of health workers, authorities have deployed thousands of police officers across the country. However, incidents of violence persist, with recent attacks on police escorting polio workers resulting in casualties in cities like Karak and Bannu.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed determination to overcome the challenges posed by polio and has pledged to lead Pakistan in the fight against the disease. Meanwhile, Afghanistan has also faced setbacks in its polio eradication efforts, with the Taliban disrupting vaccination campaigns earlier this year.
Despite the challenges, health officials and authorities remain committed to achieving a polio-free future for both Pakistan and Afghanistan. The ongoing vaccination campaigns are crucial in safeguarding the health of millions of children and preventing the spread of this debilitating disease.
