Conflicting claims: Polio vaccinations remain reason for impasse

KARAK:

According to the district health officer of Karak, the impasse which resulted in an unofficial ban on polio vaccinations for over eight months in Kanda area has been resolved.

DHO Dr Daraz Muhammad told The Express Tribune residents of Tapi Kanda have imposed the ban on polio vaccinations over the unavailability of gas. He added the administration had been trying to resolve the issue but locals were united and adamant in their demands.

He, however, said a meeting was held at the deputy commissioner’s office on Monday where the issue was resolved, adding the polio campaign will begin in the area. “We have peacefully resolved the issue.”

On the other hand, according to office bearers of a local welfare organisation Nada-e-Naujawan, the district administration has failed to address their problems. As a result, local elites have imposed a ban on polio vaccinations in consultation with the health department and district administration.

During a protest in Kanda, demonstrators put the onus on the authorities and threatened them of dire consequences if polio cases surfaced in the area.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th, 2014.