Syed Ali Shah:
QUETTA: A disturbing trend has emerged in Balochistan, where a nexus between some frontline health workers and parents is leading to the incomplete vaccination of children, leaving them vulnerable to the poliovirus. This issue is contributing to the rising number of polio cases in the province, with Balochistan reporting 12 out of the 15 cases recorded across Pakistan this year.
According to sources within the provincial health department, some frontline workers are reportedly colluding with parents, agreeing to vaccinate only a portion of the children in a household. In some instances, out of four children, only two receive the polio vaccine, significantly weakening the overall effectiveness of the vaccination campaigns, the sources mentioned. This negligent practice is seen as a major factor in the recent surge in polio cases, raising alarm among health officials and the broader community, they noted.
The resurgence of polio in Balochistan is particularly troubling given the extensive resources and efforts invested in eradicating the disease. Despite these efforts, the province has become a hotspot for new polio cases, with the virus continuing to circulate in communities where vaccination rates are compromised.
Background:
Pakistan is one of the few countries in the world where polio remains endemic, and Balochistan has been a focal point in the battle against the virus. In recent years, the government, in collaboration with international organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched numerous polio vaccination drives across the province. However, these efforts have often been met with challenges, including resistance from certain communities, logistical difficulties, and now, the reported collusion between health workers and parents.
The increasing number of polio cases in Balochistan is a stark reminder of the challenges that remain in the fight against the disease. Health officials are calling for stricter oversight of vaccination campaigns and stronger accountability measures for frontline workers. They emphasize that every child must be vaccinated to break the chain of transmission and finally eradicate polio from the region.
The situation in Balochistan underscores the critical need for renewed vigilance and commitment to ensure that all children are protected from this crippling disease. Without urgent action, the gains made in the fight against polio could be undone, endangering the health of future generations.
