Attack on polio workers sparks protests and calls to boycott vaccine campaigns

Polio Pulse

Polio Pulse provides social listening insights to support GPEI’s polio interventions on disinformation, crisis communication, and strategic communication. Data is monitored from polio-endemic and outbreak countries and geographies classified by GPEI, covering 12 major languages spoken in these regions. The platform is managed by the UNICEF Digital Community Engagement (DCE) team.

Low Risk

Saturday, February 22, 2025

Attack on polio workers sparks protests and calls to boycott vaccine campaigns

Geography

Pakistan

Themes

Necessity

Analysis

A police officer guarding a polio team in Bajaur was shot and killed, leading to protests due to the failure to arrest the killer. The protest reportedly closed the main highway as participants demanded the arrest of those responsible for the killing and called for the improved safety of polio workers. Several social media users posted identical messages calling for a focus on peace instead of polio, claiming that no one dies from being unvaccinated against polio. One post called for protesters to boycott polio campaigns instead of blocking the roads.

Recommendations

The low engagement on these posts decreases their risk. Messaging may emphasize that while attacks on polio workers are tragic, they should not be used to discourage vaccination or to downplay the importance of polio elimination. Emphasizing key talking points is recommended: The polio vaccine is the only way to protect children from polio, and all children should be given the polio vaccine.

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Alert Categories

◉ High risk

Narratives with widespread circulation across communities or countries, high engagement, exponential velocity, and a high potential to impact vaccination efforts.

◉ Medium risk

Narratives circulating in priority countries that may impact vaccination decisions. Potential for further spread due to the tactics used or because of predicted velocity. May highlight legitimate questions and concerns, not just false claims.

◉ Low risk

Narratives that are limited in reach, aren't impacting priority communities, or lack the qualities necessary for future spread. Helpful to know because these narratives may indicate information gaps, confusion, or concerns.