Pakistan and Afghanistan are the last two countries in the world where poliovirus is yet to be eradicated. Despite the support of international health organizations and major powers, both countries are struggling to prevent a serious epidemic outbreak. In 2022, Pakistan experienced a surge in polio cases after almost a year of being polio-free, and now a wild poliovirus of Afghan origin has been detected in sewage samples from two districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The eradication of poliovirus remains a significant challenge in Pakistan due to misinformation, myths, and mistrust among the locals, particularly in Waziristan. Conspiracy theories and noise around polio have overshadowed the debilitating impact of the virus on children, and many children have already succumbed to the disease and are now living with a disability that could have been prevented. Last year, several polio workers and police officers assisting them were attacked during vaccine campaigns, highlighting the hostile and uncooperative environment in which they are operating.
To increase children’s immunity, Pakistan launched a synchronized campaign with Afghanistan, which will continue this month. However, vaccine campaigns alone cannot bear fruit, especially when people refuse to vaccinate their children. The health ministry needs to work with federal and provincial departments to develop a strategy that can restore public trust and enhance surveillance to identify samples and ensure widespread immunization. The only way forward to prevent the polio threat is to bridge the communication gap between parents and health officials, dismantle existing myths, and improve outreach.
One of the main reasons for the lack of trust in vaccination campaigns is misinformation and myths. Rumors are spread through social media, and people believe that vaccines cause infertility or other serious illnesses. In some areas, people do not trust the government and believe that vaccines are part of a Western conspiracy to harm their children. To counter these beliefs, it is essential to have community leaders and religious scholars involved in the vaccine campaigns. Their endorsement of vaccines can go a long way in convincing parents to vaccinate their children.
Another important strategy is to improve the surveillance system to identify and track cases of polio. This will enable health officials to pinpoint the areas where immunization coverage is low and where vaccine campaigns need to be focused. By identifying the source of the virus, officials can also trace the contacts and vaccinate them to prevent the spread of the disease.
In conclusion, Pakistan and Afghanistan need to step up their efforts to eradicate poliovirus. They must work together to develop a comprehensive strategy that addresses the issues of misinformation, mistrust, and poor surveillance. Vaccine campaigns alone are not enough, and it is essential to involve the community leaders and religious scholars to increase public trust. The eradication of polio requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including the government, health officials, and the public. By working together, we can ensure that no child suffers from the debilitating effects of poliovirus.