Bilawal Kamran
As Pakistan steps into 2025, it faces a grim reminder that some of its most pressing issues are deeply entrenched, with polio being one of the oldest and most stubborn problems. Despite ongoing efforts to eradicate the virus, Pakistan remains one of the only two countries in the world—along with Afghanistan—where polio still exists. The country saw a concerning increase in cases in 2024, with 68 reported, the highest since 2020. While the worst-hit regions were Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with 27 and 20 cases respectively, Sindh also struggled, reporting 19 cases. Alarmingly, the last case of 2024 was recorded on December 30 in D.I. Khan, just as an anti-polio vaccination campaign was launching in Balochistan, underscoring the persistent challenge despite multiple vaccination drives. As 2025 unfolds, it is critical for Pakistan to examine its approach to eradicating polio and implement the necessary changes to address the ongoing public health crisis.
The refusal to vaccinate children remains the most significant barrier to polio eradication. Despite the government’s continuous efforts to promote vaccination, a disturbing number of parents still refuse to immunize their children. Even with local authorities like the Peshawar district administration taking steps such as requiring polio vaccination certificates for official documents, and national campaigns aimed at countering anti-vaccine rhetoric, the vaccination resistance persists. In Sindh alone, over 43,000 cases of vaccine refusal were recorded in October 2024. This widespread hesitancy needs to be addressed urgently, as the vaccination refusal rate is a major obstacle to eliminating the disease. The government must implement more effective strategies to engage and persuade parents about the importance of vaccination.
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However, vaccine hesitancy is not the only factor contributing to the persistence of polio in Pakistan. The country’s healthcare system remains deeply flawed, with millions of children missing vaccinations due to systemic failures. According to the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), over four million planned vaccinations were missed across the country during immunization campaigns in 2024. Furthermore, provinces like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which have the most unstable security situations, reported the highest number of polio cases. This highlights the need for significant improvements in security, as the safety of polio workers—often targeted by violence—is crucial. Tragically, many of these workers are also subjected to delayed payments, further discouraging them from continuing their vital work. If Pakistan is serious about eradicating polio, it must protect and adequately compensate the individuals on the front lines of this battle.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s fight against polio in 2025 will depend on addressing the complex factors that contributed to its failure in 2024. The government’s ability to tackle vaccine hesitancy, improve healthcare infrastructure, ensure the safety and timely compensation of polio workers, and enhance security in high-risk areas will determine the outcome. Without meaningful action on these fronts, Pakistan will continue to face the devastating consequences of polio, with innocent children suffering and dying unnecessarily. The time for comprehensive reform and a concerted effort is now, if the country is to finally rid itself of this age-old menace.
