Say NO to POLIO

Eradicate Polio

Several people have been killed in the latest wave of violence against polio vaccinators in Pakistan. The attacks undermine government efforts to eradicate the virus in one of the few countries where it remains endemic.

Polio is a highly infectious viral disease, mainly affecting children younger than 5. It can cause permanent paralysis and death, but can be prevented through immunization. The virus is spread through contaminated food and water.

Lack of proper access to anti-polio vaccination has led to a rise in polio cases in the South Asian nation. Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria are the only countries in the world where polio remains endemic. The number of polio cases in Pakistan rose from 58 in 2012 to 91 in 2013, out of which 65 were located in the remote tribal region bordering Afghanistan. 

In 1991, due to financial constraints, only 83 percent of Pakistani children had been vaccinated. Intensive eradication campaigns such as door-to-door vaccinations only started after 1999. Recognizing the efforts of Rotary International, who contributed about $12 million to the cause, the government of Pakistan issued a postage stamp on the hundredth anniversary of that organization in December 2000.

In March 2001 about 27 million children were vaccinated across the country, in the hope that Pakistan could be virus-free by the end of that year

Thousands of families refused polio drops because of misconceptions as well as religious and traditional beliefs. Some believed that the vaccine causes impotency. Awareness program within the communities is a need of time.

#PolioFreePakistan

#EradicatePolio