Analysis
Conspiracy theories about polio eradication efforts circulated online following reports of the detection of additional polio cases in Pakistan in 2024. Several social media users accused the government of lying about polio and refusing to eliminate polio in order to continue receiving international funding, while others questioned why polio eradication is a priority when other diseases kill more people. Some posts disparaged polio vaccines, blamed Afghan refugees and ethnic minorities for polio spread, and claimed polio is a conspiracy against Pakistanis.Recommendations
While these comments had limited reach, the myth that polio vaccines are being “forced” on people is common. This false claim demonstrates the widespread nature of false claims about the polio vaccine and distrust of global health efforts. Emphasizing that polio has no cure and that vaccines are the only way to protect children from the debilitating disease and highlighting that the polio vaccine has been rigorously tested and administered safely for several generations is recommended.