Pakistan i Polio Polio eradication efforts have been hampered by militant attacks and misinformation, but polio teams remain determined to continue the fight.
Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries in the world where the crippling polio virus is still endemic. The disease mostly affects children under the age of five and sometimes causes lifelong disability.
Polio cases are increasing in Pakistan. 45 cases have been registered so far this year. Only six cases were reported in 2023 and only one in 2021.
Polio is easily preventable with a few drops of vaccine, and in some parts of rural Pakistan, health workers are risking their own lives to save the lives of others.
Seven people, including five children, lost their lives in the bomb blast last week. The police personnel who went to protect the polio team were targeted. A few days ago, two policemen were shot dead by militants.
Zainab Sultan, a 28-year-old health worker who vaccinates children from door to door in the Panam Dheri region of northwestern Pakistan, said, “When we hear that the polio vaccination team has been attacked, it is very sad.
“Now it is our responsibility to continue our work. Our aim is to protect people from disability, vaccinate children and make them healthy citizens.’
False claims
In the past, some extremist religious people falsely claimed that the vaccine contained pork or alcohol, which led to its use being prohibited for Muslims.
In 2011, the CIA conducted a fake vaccination campaign to find Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, which further increased public suspicion.
In recent days, militant groups have started targeting police personnel guarding vaccine teams.
Attacks in Pakistan have increased dramatically since the return of the Taliban to Afghanistan in 2021. Islamabad alleges that opposition groups are now operating from there.
According to Ehsanullah, a resident of Peshawar: ‘Almost half of the parents in our area were initially against the polio vaccine. They considered it a conspiracy of the West.
“There was a lack of awareness. If this disease is spreading because of our denial, we are not only harming ourselves but the entire community.”
End of rumours
Imam Tayyab Qureshi says that after causing public distrust of the polio vaccine in the past, some religious leaders who have immense influence in Pakistan are leading the campaign to convince parents. All major religious schools and scholars of Pakistan have denied the rumors related to polio vaccine.
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According to these scholars, ‘those who attack polio vaccination teams have nothing to do with Islam or humanity.’
For a father resident of Panam Dheri, the support of religious leaders proved decisive.
According to 40-year-old Zulfiqar: ‘Initially, I did not give my children the polio vaccine. Despite everyone’s efforts, I refused.
Then the imam of our mosque came and explained the importance of polio vaccine. Also told that they got their children vaccinated and encouraged me to do the same. After that I also agreed.’
Another obstacle is that parents in disadvantaged areas use the government’s interest in vaccines as bargaining chips and demand investment in water and road projects.
Ayesha Raza, spokeswoman for the official campaign to eradicate polio, complained that ‘we face demand-based and community boycotts. Your demands may be very legitimate but do not connect them with the health of your children.’
A personal battle
For some health workers, the battle to end polio is deeply personal.
Limping from house to house in Panam Dheri, polio-stricken Ismail Shah’s leg disability does not hinder his mission.
35-year-old Ismail Shah says, “I decided as a child that when I grow up, I will fight against the disease that crippled me.”
They are among four million volunteers and health workers who patiently explained to families last week that the two-dose vaccine is safe.
Their goal is to save 4.5 million children but it is not an easy task. When Ismail Shah started working in his area, more than 1,000 people refused to vaccinate children.
“Now there are only 94 parents left who are reluctant, and soon I will convince them too,” says Ismail Shah.
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**Interview with Zainab Sultan, Polio Health Worker in Northwestern Pakistan**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Zainab. You’ve been on the frontlines of the polio vaccination effort in Pakistan. Can you share what motivates you despite the risks involved?
**Zainab Sultan:** Thank you for having me. Our motivation stems from the knowledge that polio is a preventable disease. We understand that just a few drops of vaccine can save children from lifelong disabilities. The attacks on vaccination teams are indeed tragic, but it reinforces our commitment. We want to protect our community and ensure that every child has the chance to grow up healthy.
**Interviewer:** The recent surge in polio cases is alarming, especially with 45 cases reported this year compared to only six last year. How do you think misinformation has influenced this situation?
**Zainab Sultan:** Misinformation has played a significant role in how some communities perceive the vaccine. False claims about the vaccine containing pork or alcohol have led to a lack of trust. This distrust can be fatal, as we know polio can spread easily if vaccination rates are low. However, awareness campaigns and the support from local religious leaders are slowly changing perceptions.
**Interviewer:** Can you share a personal experience that illustrates the challenges you face in your role?
**Zainab Sultan:** Certainly. Just last week, we heard about a tragic attack that resulted in the loss of lives, including children from the vaccination team. Each time we hear such news, it hits hard. However, we remind ourselves of our purpose. It’s heart-wrenching, but we push forward. When parents see the commitment of health workers and understand the benefits of vaccination, it can change their minds.
**Interviewer:** There have been recent efforts to combat misinformation through religious leaders. How crucial are they in changing minds in your community?
**Zainab Sultan:** Very crucial. Religious leaders have a deep influence in our communities. When they openly support the vaccine and debunk myths, it changes perceptions significantly. They help remind everyone that protecting our children’s health is paramount and that those against vaccination are not acting in line with Islamic principles.
**Interviewer:** With increasing attacks on vaccination teams, what support do you think is necessary to continue this vital work?
**Zainab Sultan:** Protection for vaccination teams is essential. We need better security measures, especially in vulnerable areas. But beyond that, comprehensive community engagement is vital. We need ongoing education, resources, and community involvement to build trust. Ultimately, it’s about ensuring that every child can receive their vaccination safely.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Zainab, for your insights. Your dedication to protecting children from polio is commendable, and we hope for continued support and progress in this important effort.
**Zainab Sultan:** Thank you for shedding light on our work. Together, we can overcome these challenges.