The Unyielding Battle: Polio Eradication Efforts Hindered by Misinformation and Mismanagement

Over a decade, Sughra Ayaz has been striving to vaccinate children against polio in southeast Pakistan amidst misinformation and logistical challenges. Falsified immunization records, unqualified vaccine administrators, and cultural resistance have hampered efforts in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the last countries with active polio transmission. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative's outdated strategies face scrutiny.

In southeastern Pakistan, Sughra Ayaz dedicates her efforts to vaccinating children against polio, a mission increasingly thwarted by misinformation and logistical challenges. Despite the campaign's ambition, flaws in execution, including falsified immunization records and unqualified vaccine administrators, have hindered progress.

Meanwhile, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative faces criticism for outdated strategies in Pakistan and Afghanistan, where polio still thrives. Efforts are stymied by cultural resistance and logistical failures, with officials often ignoring local realities. These challenges have prompted many to question the campaign's methods.

While the initiative boasts significant successes, such as vaccinating 3 billion children, pressures mount amid unachieved eradication deadlines and rising cases. Calls for strategic overhauls and better allocation of resources resonate as the fight against polio continues in these last strongholds.

(With inputs from agencies.)