Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate polio are being hampered by militant attacks and suspicion sparked by false information, but groups of committed volunteer health workers are not giving up.
The crippling virus, which primarily affects children under five and can occasionally result in permanent paralysis, is solely endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
With 45 cases reported so far this year, Pakistan is seeing an increase in cases compared to just one in 2021 and six in 2023.
A few drops of the vaccine taken orally can easily prevent polio, yet in some remote areas of Pakistan, medical personnel put their lives in danger to save others.
Five youngsters were among the seven individuals killed last week when a bomb struck police officers who were on their way to protect vaccine workers.
