What happened: Imran Khan has ordered the authorities to initiate legal action against those who attack and harass the polio workers. A press release by the PM office stated, “Polio eradication workers are performing a national service.” 70 polio workers have been killed in Pakistan during the last 8 years, and many others have been harassed. Details: Pakistan’s PM, while talking about the polio workers getting attacked & harassed, said, “District administration should take responsibility to initiate deterrent legal action in cases of harassment of or attacks on polio workers.” While reviewing the arrangements for the country wide-polio eradication campaign, Prime Minister Imran Khan also appreciated the efforts of polio workers. He said, “I highly appreciate the hard work done by provincial chief secretaries and deputy commissioners for polio eradication.”
Why it matters: The total number of poliovirus cases in Pakistan has dropped to only 1 in 2021 from 147 in 2019 as the polio eradication campaign expands its boundaries. Pakistan is still one of the two remaining countries where poliovirus cases are reported. Polio eradication campaigns face criticism from a few religious leaders, and the misinformation around the vaccine tends to stop parents from getting their children vaccinated against the poliovirus.