New Delhi, September 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pakistan continues to face a major challenge in its efforts to eradicate polio, remaining one of only two countries in the world, alongside Afghanistan, where wild poliovirus transmission remains endemic, according to a report.
Despite repeated nationwide vaccination drives and government claims of high immunisation coverage, significant gaps in vaccination and persistent community resistance continue to leave children vulnerable to the disease.
According to a report by The Express Tribune, nearly one million children were missed during a single vaccination campaign, while more than 53,000 families reportedly refused to allow their children to receive polio drops.
Health officials and government representatives have claimed that around 98 per cent of citizens are fully vaccinated. However, estimates of routine immunisation coverage have placed the figure as low as 60 per cent, highlighting a substantial gap between official claims and vaccination coverage on the ground.
The continued detection of poliovirus in sewage samples from different parts of Pakistan has added to concerns, indicating that the virus remains in circulation and transmission has yet to be interrupted.
Pakistan’s battle against polio has been particularly difficult in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where vaccination teams have faced militant attacks, resistance from sections of the community and challenges in reaching vulnerable populations. Nearly 100 people have reportedly been killed in attacks targeting polio vaccinators since 2012.
Security concerns, poverty and vaccine hesitancy have further complicated eradication efforts. However, the continued persistence of the disease has also raised questions about the effectiveness of government programmes, community engagement and accountability mechanisms.
While several countries have managed to interrupt polio transmission despite conflict, poverty and resistance to vaccination, Pakistan continues to struggle with missed children and vaccine refusals. A lack of trust among sections of the population remains a significant obstacle to achieving comprehensive immunisation.
The continued circulation of wild poliovirus poses a particular threat to children who have not received adequate vaccine doses. Low routine immunisation coverage leaves communities vulnerable to outbreaks and makes it difficult to achieve the population-level protection needed to stop transmission.
The situation has led to growing criticism of Pakistan’s approach to polio eradication, amid concerns that repeated directives, task forces and externally supported programmes have not been matched by adequate accountability for outcomes.
FOLLOW NOW
