Polio Eradication Initiative in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – Socio-Religious Obstacles

Abstract

Besides Afghanistan, the cases of polio are still reported in Pakistan, especially in the Pashtun-centered areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This case study is an attempt to highlight the corelation between the low or zero response to immunization against polio and the socio-religious factor through analyses of the empirical data collected from Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Hangu, Tank, Karak, Kohat besides Peshawar and Swat. The core objective of the study is to identify and highlight   the socio-religious factor, which has its “by-products” as well, playing a vital role in shaping the attitude of the public towards immunization against polio. In view of the above thesis, the policy makers require to revisit their strategies and methodologies with the objective of finding more viable, more effective, and more workable   solutions to the problems encountered in the high-risk areas of the Province.  After conclusion, the sections on “Lessons Learnt” and “Recommendations” sum up the tangible points for consideration by all the stakeholders. The policy makers may take even a U-turn where it applies for eradicating polio potentially   threatening the whole world.