In a worrying development for public health officials, over 41,800 children in Karachi were not administered the polio vaccine by their parents this year, despite efforts by health workers to reach them at home. This number is a substantial portion of the total 42,999 refusals reported across Sindh province, with the rest of the districts accounting for just 1,124 cases.
Karachi’s staggering refusal rate, which makes up more than 97% of the province’s total, highlights the city’s critical role in the ongoing battle against polio. The metropolis is under the spotlight as 27 of its high-risk union committees are currently targeted by government campaigns aimed at increasing vaccine acceptance and boosting trust in public health initiatives.
Irshad Ali Sodhar, the provincial coordinator of the Emergency Operations Centre, noted that refusal cases constitute less than one per cent of the city’s eligible child population. However, Karachi’s dense population and ongoing virus detection in environmental samples make it a focal point for eradication efforts. The city’s frequent population movements are a key factor in the persistent presence of poliovirus, he explained.
To address the issue, targeted vaccination campaigns are being implemented to close immunity gaps and protect children from paralysis. The first phase of this initiative is already underway, focusing on the city’s high-risk areas.
In the recent national immunization drive, efforts included mapping 2,799 health facilities and engaging over 2,900 schools and seminaries to raise awareness about polio vaccination. Additionally, mosques played a role in disseminating messages during sermons, while a network of 3,442 influencers such as teachers, scholars, and community leaders were mobilized to advocate for vaccination.
Mr. Sodhar highlighted the reduction in refusal cases compared to five years ago when numbers ranged between 90,000 to 100,000. The current campaign, running since February 22, aims to vaccinate 562,163 children under five with the oral polio vaccine (OPV) and administer fractional inactivated polio vaccine (fIPV) to 521,953 children aged four months to under five years using needle-free jet injector technology.
This technology ensures a stress-free vaccination experience for children, and the combination of OPV and fIPV is intended to bolster immunity, providing added protection where the virus continues to circulate. Mr. Sodhar encouraged parents to cooperate with vaccinators, emphasizing that each vaccination brings the community closer to a polio-free future.
