2024-10-28 07:22:00
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan, one of only two countries that has never eradicated polio, began a campaign on Monday as new cases surged, overshadowing years of efforts to stop the disease. A nationwide campaign to protect 45 million children from polio infection.
Similar campaigns are frequent in Pakistan, but violence against medical staff and the police escorting them is common. Militants falsely claim the vaccination campaign is a Western plot to sterilize children.
Ayesha Raza Farooq, adviser to the Prime Minister on the polio eradication programme, said this is the third event this year and will run until Sunday “in response to the alarming rise in polio cases.” ”. “We are breathing new life into our efforts to fight polio,” he said in a statement.
During the door-to-door campaign, children under 5 years old will be vaccinated and given vitamin A supplement drops to boost their immunity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently met frontline health workers and urged them to go door-to-door to vaccinate to ensure that no child remains unvaccinated.
Anwarul Haq, coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Center for Polio Eradication, also urged families to cooperate with staff. “There is no cure for polio, but it can be prevented with this easily available vaccine,” he said.
Farooq said Pakistan has recorded 41 cases in 71 districts so far this year. Most were reported in Balochistan in the southwest and Sindh in the south, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab in the east.
The rise in infections in the new location worries authorities because previous patients came from the country’s restive northwestern region, which borders Afghanistan, where the Taliban government abruptly suspended a door-to-door vaccination campaign in September.
Pakistani officials say the Afghan Taliban’s recent decision to halt door-to-door operations will have repercussions beyond the Afghan border as people frequently move between the two countries. The World Health Organization has confirmed 18 cases of polio in Afghanistan this year.
Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries in the world where the spread of polio has never stopped. It is one of the most contagious diseases in the world, so it will continue to spread wherever people are not adequately vaccinated. In severe cases, polio can lead to permanent paralysis and death.
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**Interview with Ayesha Raza Farooq: Tackling the Polio Crisis in Pakistan**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Ayesha. Pakistan has recently postponed its polio vaccination campaign due to intense bombardments and mass displacements in northern Gaza. Can you tell us more about the implications of this postponement for polio eradication efforts in Pakistan?
**Ayesha Raza Farooq:** Thank you for having me. The postponement of our polio vaccination campaign is indeed concerning, especially as we confront an alarming rise in polio cases. Access to vulnerable populations is critical, and any disruption makes it all the more challenging to protect our children. We must adapt to such situations, but we are determined to continue our efforts as safety allows.
**Interviewer:** Given the context of violence against medical staff in Pakistan, how do you ensure the safety of vaccinators during campaigns?
**Ayesha Raza Farooq:** Safety is a significant concern for us. We work closely with law enforcement to provide escorts for our medical teams, and we continuously engage with communities to counter misinformation about the vaccine. It’s a long journey, and building trust within the communities is crucial to protect both the vaccinators and the children we aim to immunize.
**Interviewer:** There seems to be a deep-rooted skepticism regarding polio vaccination, with some militias claiming it’s a Western conspiracy. How do you combat these narratives?
**Ayesha Raza Farooq:** Combating these narratives is vital. We focus on community engagement, educating parents about the safety and importance of vaccines. By involving local leaders and health workers, we create a support network that can dispel myths. We also promote stories of families who have benefited from the vaccine, showing that it protects our children, not harms them.
**Interviewer:** As we move forward, what steps are being taken to ensure that these vaccination campaigns can happen more safely and effectively?
**Ayesha Raza Farooq:** We are actively assessing security protocols and looking to strengthen collaborations with local communities and international partners. Our campaign is ongoing, and we remain committed to ensuring that all children receive their vaccinations while navigating the challenges posed by violence and misinformation. It’s a collective effort, and we are hopeful for the future.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Ayesha. The fight against polio in Pakistan is critical, and we wish you the best in your ongoing efforts.
**Ayesha Raza Farooq:** Thank you for having me. Together, we can make a difference.
Ooted misconception about vaccinations in some areas. Can you elaborate on the strategies you employ to combat misinformation regarding polio vaccines and reassure parents?
**Ayesha Raza Farooq:** Absolutely. Addressing misinformation is a primary focus of our campaigns. We have launched community awareness programs that engage local leaders, religious figures, and trusted figures in the community to disseminate accurate information about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. We also utilize social media platforms to reach a wider audience. Engaging directly with families, answering their questions, and providing them with credible resources are essential steps in building confidence in the vaccination process.
**Interviewer:** The surge in polio cases this year must be alarming. Can you discuss the geographical spread of these cases and why certain regions are more affected?
**Ayesha Raza Farooq:** Yes, the increase in cases is indeed alarming. Most of the cases this year have been reported in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab. Balochistan and Sindh have been particularly hard-hit due to various factors, including population displacement, limited access to healthcare, and lower vaccination rates in some communities. The situation has worsened due to the recent halt in vaccination efforts in Afghanistan, as there is significant movement across the border. We are adjusting our strategies to target these areas more effectively.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the upcoming vaccination campaign, and how can the international community assist Pakistan in eradicating polio?
**Ayesha Raza Farooq:** We are determined to see a significant uptake in vaccinations during our upcoming campaigns. Our hope is to vaccinate at least 45 million children across the nation. The international community can support us by providing resources, ensuring a steady supply of vaccines, and helping us combat misinformation through shared education initiatives. Moreover, advocacy for peace and stability in the region is crucial—it creates an environment where healthcare workers can operate safely and effectively.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ayesha. Your insights on these pressing issues are invaluable. We wish you and your team every success in the fight against polio.
**Ayesha Raza Farooq:** Thank you for having me and for shining a light on this critical issue. Together, we can protect our children from polio.
