The Fight Against Polio: A Personal Mission
In a quiet village on the outskirts of Peshawar, 30-year-old Shahid Khan is on a heartfelt mission. He moves door to door, assisting vaccinators in administering polio drops to every child in his community. For Shahid, this campaign is more than just a job; it’s deeply personal. “My own daughter is a patient of polio,” he shares, his voice quivering as he recounts her struggles to walk. “Whenever I see her unable to play like other children, it breaks my heart. That’s why I promised that no child in my area will suffer like her. I will ensure every single one is vaccinated.”
Shahid’s story reflects a broader reality in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). Families continue to bear the lifelong scars of a disease that should have been wiped out by now. Each unvaccinated child reminds us of the challenges Pakistan encounters in eradicating polio—a virus that persists in environments marked by neglect and misinformation.
An official from the Polio Eradication Programme, who wished to remain anonymous, mentioned that while polio is viewed as a “national cause” supported at all governmental levels, the road has been bumpy. “The environment in K-P and merged districts has always been complex,” he noted. “At times, our work has been targeted by those looking to disrupt a noble cause.”
Acknowledging previous mistakes, he explained, “When health initiatives are enforced without cooperation, communities respond with skepticism. It’s time to rebuild trust and frame vaccination as a right, not an obligation.” They’re learning from neighboring countries, asking, “If Afghanistan has nearly eliminated the virus, why can’t we?”
The discussions surrounding polio must move beyond sensationalism. Professor Dr. Muhammad Hussain, a well-respected pediatrician, argues that polio should be part of a larger public health narrative. “The focus should be on practical goals and empowering local leaders, not on grand ceremonies,” he advises.
Dr. Hussain also suggests a model akin to the COVID-19 vaccination system, where families receive certificates after completing doses. “The fight against polio demands sincerity, consistency, and accountability, not just noise,” he adds.
Despite the obstacles, hope persists. Mr. Shafi Ullah Khan, Coordinator of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC-K-P), is witnessing progress. “We’ve seen a significant decrease in refusal cases,” he states. This progress reflects the unwavering commitment of health teams and the government.
With efforts spanning over three decades, Pakistan is at the forefront of one of the world’s most ambitious public health campaigns. What began as a global hope to protect every child from paralysis has morphed into a local struggle, fought in narrow streets, rugged hills, and crowded areas.
The results show promise. In 2025, Pakistan reported just 30 polio cases nationwide—a staggering 80% drop since 2019. This achievement is attributed to the tireless work of thousands of vaccinators, many of whom are women, each carrying a vial of hope in their hands.
However, health experts remind us that the final phase is often the most challenging. The sporadic detection of the virus in sewage samples serves as a grim reminder that polio remains a threat wherever sanitation is lacking. “Even a single case means the virus is still out there,” a health official warns. “We cannot relax until we reach zero detection, not merely zero cases.”
Yet there is a glimmer of positivity. Across the nation, communities, religious leaders, and educators are uniting to dispel myths about vaccinations. Indeed, some imams have started discussing the importance of vaccination during sermons, framing every mother’s decision to vaccinate as an act of patriotism.
In the end, eradicating polio transcends medical goals; it’s a moral imperative. It’s about ensuring that no child, anywhere in Pakistan, has to endure the pain of a preventable illness.
If you feel compelled to support the ongoing fight against polio and want to stay connected, consider reaching out to community efforts like Pro21st, which are committed to making a difference in public health. Together, we can ensure a healthier future for our children.
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