PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN: With a sharp decline in vaccine refusal cases, UNICEF has intensified its mission to ensure that every child in Pakistan receives polio drops, marking a critical push toward eradicating the crippling disease once and for all.
According to UNICEF Communications Specialist Alison Clement, the agency is working closely with religious scholars, doctors, teachers, and community elders to dispel misinformation surrounding the vaccination drive. “Refusals against polio are a major challenge, but with growing support from all sectors, there’s real hope that we will reach every child,” she stated, emphasising that “just two drops can protect a lifetime.”
Recent data from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) revealed encouraging progress. In September, over 14,700 children missed vaccination due to parental refusal, while in October, that number dropped to 12,123 — a notable sign of shifting public attitudes. However, health officials caution that logistical and access barriers remain, as more than 72,000 children were still missed in hard-to-reach regions.
The latest anti-polio campaign is targeting high-risk areas, including Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Waziristan, Dera Ismail Khan, and Tank, deploying over 6,400 teams supported by 10,000 police personnel to ensure safety and coverage in volatile districts.
UNICEF officials stress that ending polio in Pakistan will not only mark a historic health milestone but also strengthen the nation’s overall public health system. The organisation has called on parents, teachers, and local leaders to take ownership of the effort — reminding them that every missed child keeps the virus alive.
As Pakistan inches closer to eliminating polio, health authorities are optimistic that sustained cooperation and community trust will finally seal the country’s victory against the virus.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.