Hafizullah Sherani:
QUETTA: A tribal jirga, organized by the district administration, the Polio Eradication Program, and COMNET, called on parents to vaccinate their children against polio, addressing growing vaccine refusals in the region.
Held in the Saryab area of Quetta, the jirga brought together local leaders, residents, and officials to highlight the critical importance of vaccination. The event followed reports of three new polio cases in Saryab this year, underscoring the urgency of combating the disease in Balochistan, where 26 of Pakistan’s 59 polio cases in 2024 have been recorded.
Heartbreaking Personal Story
Jalil Ahmad, a resident of Eastern Bypass in Quetta, shared his regret over not vaccinating his fifth child, now paralyzed by polio. “This child was born beautiful, but a fever turned into paralysis. I deeply regret avoiding vaccination teams,” he said, urging others not to repeat his mistake.
Challenges in Polio Eradication
Assistant Commissioner Saryab, Maria Shammoun, emphasized that vaccine refusals, rooted in misunderstandings, remain a major hurdle. “Unvaccinated children risk spreading the virus to others. We’re collaborating with community leaders to address this issue,” she said.
Haji Mir Lal Muhammad of the Pakistan People’s Party acknowledged the risks faced by polio teams. “Attacks and misinformation have hindered efforts. This jirga is a step toward raising awareness and protecting our children’s future.”
Despite challenges, authorities reported a significant reduction in vaccine refusals in Quetta, dropping from 30,000 to 5,500 after October’s campaign.
Call for Action
Maulvi Ubaidullah Haqqani, a respected cleric, urged parents to embrace vaccination. “Polio drops don’t harm—they save lives,” he affirmed.
With Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to a polio-free future, initiatives like this jirga are vital for eradicating the virus. Parents are urged to vaccinate children under five during every campaign to ensure a healthier future.
Polio Statistics in Pakistan (2024)
•Balochistan: 26 cases
•Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 16 cases
•Sindh: 15 cases
•Punjab: 1 case
•Islamabad: 1 case
Authorities aim to turn the tide with continued community efforts and international support.
