In the province of Baluchistan, Pakistan, a polio vaccination campaign is set to begin on September 9th. This region, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, is one of the few places in the world where cases of polio still exist, despite the disease being eradicated elsewhere.
Health workers in Baluchistan face numerous challenges in their efforts to vaccinate children against polio. Due to the presence of several terrorist groups in the region, they must be escorted by armed guards for protection. Additionally, many parents in Baluchistan refuse to allow their children to receive the vaccine. Some believe that the vaccines will make people sterile, while others believe that they are part of a conspiracy by Western countries to spread other diseases.
This skepticism and resistance to vaccinations has hindered efforts to eradicate polio in Pakistan. Despite the risks and obstacles, health workers continue their vital work to vaccinate children and prevent the spread of this debilitating disease. The battle against polio in Baluchistan is a challenging one, but with determination and perseverance, progress can be made towards a polio-free future for Pakistan.
Watch the video by FRANCE 24 English
Video “The battle against polio in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 09/06/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English