Legal action launched against polio vaccine refusal, anti-vax propaganda

480 parents penalised in Sukkur under new law as govt initiates crackdown

KARACHI:

In a first, the Sindh government has launched legal action against parents who fail to vaccinate their children, penalising 480 parents in Sukkur district alone. The action has been taken under the newly enforced Sindh Immunisation and Epidemics Control Act 2023.

The law also targets those who spread anti-vax propaganda on social media, with strict legal consequences for such actions. According to Additional Director Dr Sohail Sheikh, the penalties were imposed by the Sukkur administration after parents failed to comply with the vaccination requirements.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Dr Sheikh said that the Sindh government intends to take strict action not only in Sukkur but across the province, including Karachi, against anyone spreading misinformation or negative propaganda about vaccines that protect children from various diseases.

The Sindh Immunization and Epidemics Control Act, which was passed by the provincial assembly on August 4, 2023, aims to prevent the spread of infectious diseases among children. Under this law, the deputy commissioner of each district has been given the authority to impose penalties on parents who refuse to vaccinate their children. Offenders will face penalties ranging from one month of imprisonment to fines between Rs50,000 and Rs100,000.