Nepotism mars hiring of community-based vaccinators in K-P

Despite 24 years of immunisation campaigns, poliovirus persists in Pakistan

PESHAWAR: It has been almost 24 years since the government introduced its Pakistan Polio Programme and its much-trumpeted Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) while the ground reality is still uncertain as in its core reservoirs (Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta) the poliovirus still persists

A copy of the report obtained by The Express Tribune reveals that nepotism and favouritism were committed in the selection process of community based vaccination (CBV) staff in Peshawar.

Community Based Vaccination (CBV) is a pivotal strategy for stemming virus circulation in the core reservoir and areas of highest concentration for polio transmission in Pakistan.

According to report, the staff of health facilities of civil dispensary Latifabad, BHU Pishtakhara, BHU Mera Surezai, Civil  dispensary Nothia Jadeed, civil dispensary Gul Bahar, BHU Sangu, BHU Terai Payan, BHU Nasir Bagh, civil dispensary Civil Quarters, civil dispensary Shiekhabad, civil dispensary Kakshal, BHU Kaksha-2, BHU Umeedabad, BHU Mashogagar, civil dispensary Kakshal, BHU Sufaid Dheri, Union Council Bhana Mari, Union Counicil Badhaber Huraizai, BHU Phandu, and BHU Rasheedabad are non-local.      Further, the report said, that CBVs staff is supporting by Unicef and World Health Organisation(WHO).

The report said that total 134 staff members are non-locals. In total 134 staff members 80 Community Health Workers (CHWs), 25 Area Incharges, 12 Temporary Tehsil Monitors,9 Union Council Support Communication Officers (UCSCO), 4 Religious Support Person (RSP), 3 Female Community Workers (FCW), and 1 Union Council Polio Officer. They are receiving Rs50,000 to Rs20,000 salaries in different categories.

It is pertinent to state that Pakistan remains one of only two countries still reporting WPV (Wild Polio Virus) cases, the other country is neighboring Afghanistan.

In 2017, 8 and 14 cases were reported from Pakistan and Afganistan, respectively. As of Dec 2018, a total of 29 cases-8 from Pakistan and 21 from Afghanistan- have been reported.

In 2018, a total of eight cases have been reported, including three cases from the Dukki district in Balochistan, one from Karachi city, one from Charsadda, one from the Khyber tribal district and two from Bajaur tribal district.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30^th, 2018.