Mass immunization campaign launched in Pakistan, with over 19 million children inoculated against polio; floods reportedly hindering efforts to fully eradicate the disease
Pakistan Launches Massive Anti-Polio Drive Amid Challenges
Pakistan has launched a nationwide anti-polio drive, with over 19.2 million children receiving polio drops across 99 districts as of the latest update. The campaign, which began on September 1, aims to protect children from the incurable, highly infectious virus that can cause lifelong paralysis.
In a significant effort, more than 4.4 million children in Islamabad were vaccinated, along with over 1.64 million in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 2.16 million in Balochistan, 112,000 in Gilgit-Baltistan, and nearly 8.4 million in Sindh. Additionally, approximately 4 million children were vaccinated in Punjab, and around 3.96 million in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
However, the drive has been complicated by seasonal floods, which have forced authorities to postpone the vaccination drive in nine districts of Punjab. Furthermore, parental refusals, widespread misinformation, and repeated attacks on polio workers by militant groups have hampered efforts to eliminate polio. In some remote and volatile areas, vaccination teams operate under police protection, and security personnel themselves have also been targeted during these campaigns.
Despite these challenges, the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) remains optimistic. They stress that all segments of society must play a role in eliminating polio. The NEOC also encourages welcoming polio teams and ensuring that every child under five receives polio drops in every campaign.
Pakistan has made major gains in reducing polio cases since the 1990s. In 2021, the country recorded just one case, but this year, there have been 74 cases, a sharp rise from six in 2023. The vaccination push in Bajaur and Upper Dir, located in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, is scheduled to begin on Sept. 15.
The leadership of the last polio vaccination campaign in Pakistan is not explicitly stated in the available search results. However, the ongoing campaign underscores the commitment of Pakistani authorities to eradicate polio and ensure a healthy future for its children.
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