The killing of polio workers in Pakistan is an issue of grave concern. A report highlights the issue of targeted killings and terrorist attacks on polio vaccinators in Pakistan. It also devises a surveillance strategy to provide security to polio workers which is not yet being implemented.
Pakistani authorities have reported the killings of more than 200 polio workers. According to the Emergency Operations Centre in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, militants have carried out 23 attacks against polio teams and security escorts in Pakistan this year.
Sindh province health officials say the security situation in Sindh is not like Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, but police are providing security to polio teams in Karachi and other parts of the province. Polio workers play a vital role in the global effort to eradicate polio and protect communities from this devastating disease. Federal and provincial authorities must ensure adequate security for vaccinators, and it must also be complemented by cooperation between communities and vaccinators to build trust.
Nida Azeem
Pidrak, Kech
