In a remarkable turn of events, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) has experienced a significant drop in resistance to anti-polio drops administered to children last month. According to a report released by the Emergency Operations Centre, the number of families refusing the drops decreased by approximately 35 percent during the vaccination campaign conducted in June.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering the country’s struggle to combat parental resistance against polio vaccinations. Last year, all 20 recorded polio cases in Pakistan originated from K-P, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
The report also indicates that the province saw a 25 percent decrease in the number of children deprived of the life-saving anti-polio drops. A pivotal moment in 2016 occurred when the anti-polio campaign received strong support from the ulema, countering negative propaganda that had dissuaded some families from vaccinating their children. The ulema’s backing played a crucial role in the success of the vaccination drive, and even some previously reluctant parents have now embraced the immunization.
Maulana Raees Khan of Darul Uloom Hayatabad acknowledged that misunderstandings and misperceptions were behind some parents’ initial refusal. However, through persuasive efforts, many have come to recognize the importance of protecting their children through immunization.
To further bolster vaccination rates, last month the province implemented a groundbreaking strategy of linking civic services to polio vaccination certificates. By making access to civic services contingent upon possessing a polio vaccination certificate, authorities aimed to elevate the vaccination rate in the region.
Polio, a highly contagious disease that primarily affects children under the age of five, can cause paralysis or even death. Although there is no cure for polio, vaccination remains the most effective measure to safeguard our children from this crippling illness.