APROPOS the letter ‘More polio cases’ (Aug 30). I would like to thank the writer for raising critical points. As the writer rightly pointed out, polio is a dangerous and crippling disease that results from infection by the poliovirus. As long as the virus continues to circulate in our country, no child is safe.

Pakistan is dealing with a rise in polio cases this year largely due to vaccine refusals by parents and caregivers. These refusals are the byproduct of misinformation and propaganda, often spread across social media. Refusals have also spiked owing to community fatigue and frustration with the ‘repeated knocks’ of polio workers during campaigns, as well as an overall lack of awareness of the risks associated with the virus.

The government of Pakistan is committed to eradicating polio virus once and for all, particularly by combating the root causes of mistrust, community resistance and lack of awareness. To this end, a perception management campaign is being launched to counter misinformation about the programme and address any and all pressing concerns people have on the vaccine, repeated campaigns, and the number of doses required.

This campaign also intends to bring the Polio Eradication Programme to communities in languages and actions they are familiar with.

The programme is set to launch a 24/7 call centre providing communities with uninterrupted access to credible and reliable information on polio eradication. The polio eradication programme has also launched a 24/7 WhatsApp Polio Helpline at 0346-7776546 to address all queries.

Polio eradication is very simple: if we vaccinate enough children in a given area, the poliovirus has nowhere to hide and disappears from that area. The polio eradication programme therefore conducts house-to-house vaccination campaigns year-round, targeting all children under the age of five. I urge all parents in Pakistan to make sure their children are vaccinated; each and every time the vaccine is offered. This is the only way we can ensure polio eradication. Together, we can and we will end polio in Pakistan.

Babar Bin Atta

PM’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2019