Analysis

An Afghan delegation attended the Global Polio Eradication Initiative conference in Doha, Qatar. The representatives voiced concern about the polio crisis in Afghanistan, especially since the return of refugees who were deported from Pakistan. Some commenters expressed frustration that Taliban officials who once banned polio vaccines as haram (prohibited in Islam) are now declaring them halal (permissible), suggesting they were paid to do so. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s health minister announced the country is set to launch a joint polio vaccine campaign with Afghanistan in the near future. Social media users in both countries opposed the decision. Several posts falsely claim that polio vaccines contain “pig’s material.” Many posts called the vaccines “poison” meant for “destruction,” while others expressed distrust in vaccine campaigns and medicines from Pakistan.