In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district, over 100 police officers guarding polio vaccination teams went on strike due to recent militant attacks. These officers, who protect workers going door-to-door, often face danger from militants opposing security forces.
Despite negotiations with officials, the protest continues following the deaths of two police officers and a polio worker in attacks this week. The surge in polio cases in Pakistan adds urgency to vaccination efforts.
Polio and Militancy
With 17 cases in 2024 compared to 6 in 2023, Pakistan struggles to eradicate polio. The country, along with Afghanistan, remains the only places where the disease is still endemic.
Challenges persist due to misinformation in remote areas and militant threats. The recent surge in attacks follows the Taliban government’s return in neighboring Afghanistan, leading to concerns about cross-border security issues.
Despite setbacks, efforts to vaccinate millions of children are ongoing. The international community, including organizations like Unicef, continue to support Pakistan in its fight against polio.