I am pleased to learn that Pakistan is taking strict action against those parents who refuse to vaccinate their children against poliovirus. Actually, it is not only people’s fault. Certain elements have spread disinformation about these vaccines creating fears among the masses.

To make matters worse, various reports emerged recently questioning the quality of these vaccines. In such a situation, the government needs to take action against the health officials responsible for the anti-polio campaign and ensure that the vaccines are kept under suitable conditions.

We usually tend to rely heavily on government on almost every issue. Such matters, in fact, are handled by cooperating with the authorities. Religious elements should play their due role in this regard. Friday sermons are the best way to disseminate information about preventable diseases like polio and ways to fight them through vaccinations.

The so-called war on terror has harmed Pakistan in numerous ways. Just a few years ago, Pakistan was on its way to become a polio-free country but the action against militants (it was necessary) in the tribal areas and the consequent exodus of people to urban centers changed everything. It really hampered the government efforts to eliminate polio.

Fariha Hafeez

Dammam