THE killing of two polio vaccinators in Quetta on Thursday, while horrific, does not come as a surprise, considering the numerous attacks on this vulnerable community of workers over the years. In this case, the tragedy was compounded by the fact that the victims, who were shot dead, were mother and daughter — doing their hazardous work apparently without any protection as claimed by their relatives. This was a security lapse, and those minding the campaign in Balochistan’s capital should be held accountable for it. Having said that, so grave and complicated is the situation with respect to the anti-polio drive in the country that newer questions arise with the passage of time. For instance, many wonder whether being accompanied by a couple of security men is enough protection for the workers administering the crucial vaccine to children. On the other hand, some say that the campaign is best carried out in secrecy or with minimum visibility as guards, by their very presence, make the polio workers administering the vaccine all the more conspicuous, thus inviting the wrath of those who denounce the drops as part of a Western conspiracy to harm young Pakistanis. With many parents convinced by this blatantly false propaganda, and reluctant to let polio vaccinators into their homes, the drive against the crippling disease becomes that much more difficult to carry out. Even so, there has been some success over the years, with the number of cases falling. These gains must not be lost — and security for polio vaccinators must be enhanced.

Simultaneously, the drive must enlist greater public support from various important segments of society. True, many prominent figures have publicly supported the call for vaccinating Pakistan’s children, but this must be an ongoing process. Increasing support from clerics and others — eg local councillors, social and political activists, MNAs and MPAs — who have clout with local communities should be actively pursued to boost the anti-polio drive. Finally, a word about the venue of Thursday’s attack ie the outskirts of Quetta. The latter city boasts a heavy security presence. Ironically, just hours before the killing of the polio workers, two policemen were also gunned down in the city, showing the level of penetration that militants in the province have achieved. With Balochistan’s capital city so vulnerable, we can only imagine the extent to which the rest of the province remains a target.

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2018