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Pakistan Polio Drive Misses Nearly 1 Million Children
12 Feb
Summary
- Nearly 1 million children missed in the latest polio vaccination campaign.
- Over 53,000 families refused vaccination, with Karachi having 31,000 refusals.
- Experts warn that even small vaccination gaps are dangerous for polio eradication.
Pakistan's latest nationwide polio vaccination campaign encountered significant challenges, missing close to one million children and recording over 53,000 family refusals. While health authorities reported vaccinating more than 44 million children and achieving 98% coverage, experts emphasize the persistent danger posed by even minor vaccination gaps.
Concerns are particularly high regarding the 670,000 children marked as 'not available at home,' with health specialists suggesting more robust strategies for locating and vaccinating all children. Refusals, especially the 31,000 recorded in Karachi, underscore issues with misinformation and local governance, requiring targeted community-level interventions.
Security remains a critical factor disrupting vaccination efforts in certain areas. The government's responsibility to ensure the safety of health workers is paramount to prevent any child from missing vaccination due to security concerns. Addressing these missed children, refusals, and security lapses is crucial for protecting every child from polio.
Despite recent low case numbers and negative environmental samples, health officials stress that polio eradication demands zero tolerance for operational gaps. The country's success hinges on a comprehensive approach that tackles these persistent challenges to safeguard public health.
