Pakistan is one of the few countries in the world where polio, a crippling and sometimes fatal disease, still persists. Despite decades of efforts to eradicate the virus, many parents refuse to vaccinate their children due to various reasons, such as religious beliefs, conspiracy theories, or mistrust of the government.
To overcome this challenge, authorities in Sindh province have introduced a controversial new law that would imprison parents for up to one month if they fail to get their children immunized against polio or eight other common diseases. The law, which was passed in September 2023, aims to boost the vaccination coverage and protect the health of millions of children.
However, some experts and activists have criticized the law as counterproductive and unethical. They argue that coercion could further undermine trust in the polio vaccines and violate the rights of parents. They also point out that the oral vaccines themselves now cause most polio cases worldwide, due to mutations in the weakened virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners have been supporting Pakistan’s polio eradication program for years, providing technical and financial assistance. They have also been trying to address the reasons for vaccine hesitancy and engage with local communities and leaders.
According to WHO, Pakistan has reported 14 cases of polio so far this year, all in North Waziristan, a former Taliban stronghold bordering Afghanistan. The country hopes to achieve zero polio cases by the end of 2023.