Analysis
On February 18, a police officer protecting polio workers in the Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was shot and killed by suspected militants. Although no one has claimed responsibility, Bajaur has seen similar attacks in the past. In response to the attack, some social media users called for an end to door-to-door vaccination campaigns to reduce security risks. Others suggested ending all anti-polio work and expressed doubt that polio will ever be eliminated. Several posts questioned whether polio vaccination efforts are risking the lives of police officers, claiming without evidence that vaccination campaigns have “orphaned more children” than they have saved from polio.
Recommendations
Violence against polio workers in Pakistan is tragic and may understandably lead to concerns about the safety and importance of polio vaccination. Emphasizing that polio has no cure and that vaccines are the only way to protect children from the debilitating disease is recommended. Consider partnering with local messengers, such as community health workers, elected officials, cultural figures, and faith leaders, to explain the importance of anti-polio work and door-to-door campaigns to ensure that all children can receive polio drops.