KARACHI: The fight against polio in Pakistan has suffered a fresh setback as the number of polio vaccine refusals in Karachi crossed 37,000 during the May 2025 immunization campaign, according to the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for polio eradication.
The EOC reported a total of 37,711 refusal cases in May, a concerning increase from April’s 37,360 refusals, underlining the growing resistance to vaccination among parents across several districts of the city.
District-wise breakdown of vaccine refusals
The refusal numbers varied across Karachi’s districts, with District East emerging as the most affected:
- District East: 9,433 refusals
- District Central: 7,141 refusals
- District South: 3,145 refusals
- District West: 2,922 refusals
- Malir: 4,606 refusals
- Korangi: 3,453 refusals
- Keamari: 1,701 refusals
These figures are particularly alarming in high-risk union councils, where polio transmission is still a serious threat to public health.
Root causes: misinformation, low awareness
Health experts identify misinformation, vaccine myths, and lack of public awareness as the leading causes of the rising refusal rate. In several communities, misconceptions about polio drops continue to prevent parents from allowing immunization teams to vaccinate their children.
Authorities are increasing focus on community engagement, targeted awareness campaigns, and religious endorsements to encourage parental cooperation and promote vaccine confidence.
The urgency of collective action
Despite years of effort, Pakistan remains one of only two countries in the world where wild poliovirus is still endemic. Experts stress that refusals in major urban centers like Karachi could lead to a resurgence of the virus, endangering not only local children but also global progress.
The EOC is urging parents, religious leaders, media professionals, and civil society to support the national polio program and ensure every child is vaccinated during upcoming rounds.
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