It is unfortunate that the constant two-way traffic between Afghanistan and Pakistan often impedes the efforts of vaccinators in either country just as they embark on a drive to administer anti-polio drops.

This can lead to the further spread of the dangerous virus and has caused serious concern among those who have been tasked with the very difficult and sensitive task of getting the essential polio antidote to the people in the face of a vicious militant propaganda.

Read: Joint anti-polio campaigns to be proposed to Kabul

The militants are mindful of the necessity of a simultaneous across-the-border anti-polio drive. They know how great an impact their attempts at denying the vaccine to as many children as possible has been having in promoting their image as the opposite of those responsible for governance.

These militants have frequently used violence to convey their message, and last week they once again succeeded in promoting their oppressive agenda by causing the postponement of a Pak-Afghan meeting on polio.

The militants are eager to perpetuate the impression that if they cannot control an area, they still have the power to scuttle all efforts aimed at improving people’s lives.

Also read: Pak-Afghan polio meeting cancelled over security threats

The postponement of the meeting inevitably leads to the usual summing up of the factors that bind and those which divide the two countries.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are inseparable, and the campaign against the poliovirus has to be jointly carried out in territories under the jurisdiction of either country for it to have an effect.

The anti-polio drive has been an unfortunate victim of militant tactics that involve the crass use of fear. The response on the side of the anti-polio drive has been brave, just as there have been calls for accelerating the search for finding innovative solutions to the issue.

Also read: Aseefa invites Maryam, Reham to join anti-polio efforts

There have been suggestions of how experts from Pakistan and Afghanistan can come together by video link.

This is a good idea and can be extended beyond holding conferences to maintain permanent connection. Sometimes working quietly, but with a sense of purpose, is the right option.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play