Journal article
Poliomyelitis in Pakistan: time for the Muslim world to step in
Global poliomyelitis eradication is almost within reach—this disease persists only in Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, which are countries with substantial Muslim populations.1 Today this ambitious goal is threatened, partly by misinformed and politicised religious views that not only seed suspicion about polio vaccination but recently led to murder of polio workers. In Pakistan, 16 workers engaged in a polio vaccination campaign have been killed since December, 2012, halting vaccination in many parts of the country and placing Pakistan\'s 2012 gains in poliomyelitis eradication at risk.2 Copycat attacks followed in Kano, Nigeria, and were thought to be the work of extremist group Boko Haram.3 Although Pakistan\'s Government, civil society, and religious factions have condemned the killings, action is urgently needed to dispel public misperceptions and deter ongoing violence.
Authors
Languages
- English
Publication year
2013
Journal
The Lancet
Volume
9877
Type
Journal article
Categories
- Service delivery
Diseases
- Polio
Countries
- Afghanistan
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Saudi Arabia
Tags
- Anti-vax
- Policy and legislation
WHO Regions
- African Region
- Eastern Mediterranean Region