Polio Drops Dripping Blood

Asem Mustafa Awan

Islamabad: Polio scars are etched with lifelong agony, but in Pakistan, where lives are meant to be safeguarded, the polio campaign is met with resistance and tragedy. This week-long initiative began disastrously when an improvised explosive device killed six policemen en route to their polio duties in Bajur district, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

The condemnation from the highest levels highlights the yearly struggle, resulting in loss of lives. The campaign, aiming to benefit millions of children under five, receives local and international pledges, with the Bill Gates Foundation leading in support. However, in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, local resistance persists, prompting the government to involve religious scholars in promoting the safety of administering polio drops.

The dilemma lies in the government’s absence throughout the year, only surfacing during campaigns. Broken promises and unfulfilled commitments breed resentment, leading to refusals, especially in KP. Stubbornness prevails, driven by the poor’s desperate need for necessities, as promises of health and education remain unfulfilled.

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Living in poverty for decades, the commoners rebel against the government’s offerings, having been robbed of their natural resources. Stories of affected populations from natural disasters, awaiting compensation, further fuel distrust. Surviving in dire conditions, they resist the forced polio drops, exercising their right to refuse.

Policymakers must devise a renewed strategy to bridge the trust deficit and gain people’s confidence. The targeted police van incident should serve as a warning, reflecting the commoner’s sentiments. As the campaign continues, concerns about unsafe practices and public backlash persist.

Pakistan remains one of the few countries with the polio virus, contributing to the challenge of eradication efforts. Public persuasion attempts, involving religious scholars, face skepticism, with widespread belief in parental choice and concerns about vaccine contents. Those entrusted with this national duty pay with their blood, and their well-being becomes the state’s responsibility.

Public health campaigns in socio-politically complex regions demand a thorough revisit, considering the tragic loss of lives. The score to settle with the perpetrators, whether the state or the polio worker, underscores the urgency for a comprehensive reevaluation of public health strategies in such challenging contexts.