The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the resurgence of polio in Pakistan and Afghanistan, two of the last remaining countries where the disease remains endemic. Despite global efforts to eradicate the virus, security challenges and vaccine hesitancy continue to hinder progress.
Security Issues Disrupt Vaccination Efforts
In Pakistan, health workers face significant risks while conducting vaccination campaigns. Militant groups have targeted polio teams, accusing them of espionage or spreading Western propaganda. This has led to a dangerous environment for frontline workers, with several fatalities reported in recent years.
Vaccine Hesitancy Fuels Outbreaks
Misinformation about vaccines has also played a role in the ongoing transmission of polio. In both countries, false rumours about vaccines causing infertility or containing non-halal ingredients have discouraged some communities from participating in immunisation programmes.
WHO Calls for Urgent Action
The WHO has emphasised the need for coordinated international support to address these challenges. "We cannot afford to lose ground in the fight against polio," said a WHO spokesperson. "These recent cases demonstrate how quickly the virus can resurge when vaccination efforts are disrupted."
Health officials warn that without immediate action, there could be a wider regional outbreak, potentially reversing decades of progress in global polio eradication efforts.
