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.

Low Risk

Posts question why a polio campaign will continue despite security concerns

Geography
Pakistan
Themes
Necessity

Analysis

Online users expressed frustration that university entrance exams in North Waziristan are postponed due to “security concerns.” Some social media users questioned why polio vaccine campaigns are still scheduled despite the concerns. One post claims that polio drops are given at gunpoint. Another post says that polio campaigns will always continue because they make money for the government.

Recommendations

Violence and civil unrest may cause fear about the safety and importance of polio vaccination campaigns. Communicators may partner with local messengers, such as community health workers and faith leaders, to explain the importance of door-to-door campaigns to deliver polio drops to all children. Messaging may explain that polio vaccines are the only way to protect children from polio.