Ever since Pakistan seemingly diverted its attention from the polio virus in 2021, the cases started burgeoning again. Polio is a preventable disease. To eradicate polio completely from our country, every child in every house must be vaccinated. Unfortunately, many children are still missing out on the polio vaccine owing to their parents' misinformed reluctance to get their children vaccinated. It is not feasible to vaccinate all the unvaccinated children overnight. This issue requires long-term planning, a greater provision of funds and great efforts from the polio workers.
Needless to say, the government must launch countywide awareness campaigns to educate the people against the perils of the polio virus and should hire more police officials for the protection of polio health workers against any attack as they risk their lives to immunize children. Polio can bring about serious complications like paralysis or even death. Moreover, there should be complete immunization against polio virus of those Afghan refugees who enter Pakistan via the border. Only through sincere efforts, unity and collaboration between polio workers and the people can we secure a healthy, safe and polio-free Pakistan.
Muhammad Ahmad Sajid
Raiwind