Dr Bilawal Kamran

At the recent Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum, Saudi Arabia made a significant commitment to global public health by pledging $500 million to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). This generous donation underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support for eradicating polio, a disease that has been nearly wiped out across the globe, save for a few remaining hotspots. Among the distinguished figures present at the signing ceremony were the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and the CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Dr. Sania Nishtar. Their presence highlights the importance of international cooperation in the fight against polio, a battle that has seen remarkable progress in the last few decades but is still far from over.

Despite years of tireless efforts by GPEI partners and the generous backing of international donors, polio remains a persistent problem in just a few regions: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Gaza, and Yemen. This continued presence of the poliovirus is a cause for global concern, as the disease is highly contagious and can cause permanent paralysis in children. The situation is particularly worrying in Pakistan and Afghanistan, where political instability, poverty, and extremist views continue to thwart polio eradication efforts.

Pakistan, in particular, can identify with WHO Chief Dr. Tedros’ statement that “we have come so far in our shared mission to consign polio to history, but the last mile is the hardest.” The country has made tremendous strides in reducing polio cases, but it is still grappling with the disease, which remains endemic in some areas. Last year, Pakistan saw a resurgence of polio, with 74 reported cases, a significant increase from the previous year. The cases were spread across several provinces: 27 in Balochistan, 23 in Sindh, 22 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and one each in Punjab and Islamabad. Even more concerning is the fact that by the end of February this year, three new polio cases had already been reported, two in Sindh and one in KP.

The persistent presence of the poliovirus in Pakistan, despite the country’s extensive vaccination campaigns, illustrates the challenges faced by the government and health organizations. This year’s first nationwide vaccination drive took place from February 3 to 9, with a follow-up round later in the month in 104 union councils bordering Afghanistan and in areas with Afghan refugee camps. However, despite these efforts, the results may not be as promising as hoped. The virus continues to spread, and it’s clear that eradicating polio in Pakistan is more complex than simply distributing vaccines.

A significant barrier to the successful eradication of polio in Pakistan is the spread of misinformation, particularly from extremist groups. These groups continue to propagate false narratives about the polio vaccine, claiming that it is a Western plot to sterilize Muslim children. Such lies have fostered deep mistrust among certain segments of the population, making it difficult for health workers to gain the trust of local communities. Tragically, this disinformation has led to violence against polio workers, with more than a hundred health workers and their police escorts having been gunned down in the line of duty. On February 19, a police officer assigned to protect a vaccination team was killed in Bajaur district of KP by unidentified gunmen. Such attacks underscore the danger that health workers face in the field and highlight the urgency of addressing the deep-rooted distrust in the vaccine.

Pl watch video and subscribe to the YouTube channel of republicpolicy.com

The issue of misinformation and distrust surrounding polio vaccination efforts is not a new one. Over the years, the government has launched various awareness campaigns, but these have had limited success in changing the minds of those who believe in the false claims spread by extremists. The government’s current top-down approach to addressing the problem has not proven effective in engaging communities at the grassroots level, where much of the resistance to vaccination exists. To truly combat the spread of polio, a more localized and community-based approach is needed.

One potential solution lies in engaging influential local figures, such as religious leaders, to help counteract the false narratives surrounding the vaccine. Religious clerics in Pakistan hold significant influence over their communities, and their endorsement of the polio vaccination could be a game-changer in dispelling misconceptions. These leaders can help reassure people that the vaccine is safe and necessary for the health of their children, reinforcing the message that immunization is not a foreign conspiracy but a vital tool in protecting children from a debilitating disease.

In addition to working with religious leaders, the government must also strengthen its partnerships with local influencers, community leaders, and educators. These individuals have the trust of their communities and can play a crucial role in promoting vaccination and encouraging parents to allow their children to receive the polio vaccine. By shifting the focus from a national-level effort to a community-based initiative, the government can better address the concerns and misconceptions that persist in pockets of the population.

Moreover, it is critical that the government and health organizations continue to collaborate with international partners like GPEI, Gavi, and WHO to secure the necessary resources for polio eradication. Saudi Arabia’s recent $500 million pledge is a significant step in ensuring that the necessary funds are available to support vaccination efforts, particularly in high-risk areas. However, financial support alone is not enough. There must also be a concerted effort to strengthen the local health infrastructure, improve the safety of health workers, and ensure that vaccines reach the most vulnerable populations.

The situation in Pakistan serves as a stark reminder that while polio eradication efforts have made tremendous progress, the fight is far from over. The last mile in the battle against polio is the hardest, but it is also the most crucial. To succeed, Pakistan must address the root causes of vaccine hesitancy, including misinformation and distrust, while also ensuring that the logistical challenges of reaching every child with the vaccine are overcome. Only then can the country hope to join the rest of the world in consigning polio to history.

In conclusion, the recent pledge by Saudi Arabia to provide $500 million to GPEI is a welcome development in the fight against polio. However, it is clear that the success of eradication efforts in Pakistan hinges not only on financial support but also on the willingness to engage with local communities, counter disinformation, and build trust. With concerted effort, collaboration, and a focus on grassroots engagement, the last mile in Pakistan’s polio eradication journey can be completed, ensuring a healthier future for children in the region and around the world.