The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) reported a troubling rise in polio vaccine refusals in Karachi, with 37,711 parents declining the vaccine in May—an increase from April’s 37,360 refusals. District East recorded the highest number of rejections (9,433), followed by Central (7,141) and Kemari (7,111). Korangi, Malir, South, and West also saw significant refusal rates, highlighting a growing public health challenge.
The EOC identified misinformation and lack of awareness as major reasons behind vaccine hesitancy. Despite repeated campaigns, many parents remain unconvinced about the safety and necessity of polio drops. Health officials emphasize that polio is incurable but entirely preventable through vaccination, making these refusals a critical barrier to eradication.
Authorities are focusing on high-risk union councils to counter refusals and ensure vaccine coverage. The Pakistan Polio Programme recently launched its third National Immunisation Days (NIDs) campaign, aiming for a polio-free Pakistan. However, persistent refusal rates threaten progress, requiring urgent community engagement.
Polio is a highly contagious virus that can cause lifelong paralysis or death, primarily affecting children under five. Vaccination remains the only effective defense. The EOC urges parents to reject myths and prioritize their children’s health to help eliminate polio once and for all.