Saviours under attack

The violence against polio vaccination teams in Karachi and other parts of Pakistan is deeply concerning. Such incidents not only endanger the lives of health workers but also hinder critical public health campaigns. Polio eradication is a global priority, and Pakistan remains one of the two countries where polio is still endemic. The rise in polio cases highlights the urgent need to address barriers to vaccination, including misinformation, mistrust, and security challenges.

The resurgence of polio puts millions of children at risk, and addressing these challenges is critical for the health and future of Pakistan's population. Efforts must focus on raising awareness, combating misinformation about vaccines through community campaigns, providing adequate security for polio teams to operate without fear of violence and collaborating with local political and religious leaders and influencers to rebuild confidence in vaccination programmes.

Dr Mohammad Saleem

Karachi