By Asghar Ali Mubarak
How long can we continue to sweep issues under the carpet? The recent focus on parental responsibility for the spread of polio appears to be an attempt to deflect attention from the systemic incompetency and ineffective strategies that have plagued the polio eradication efforts. It is all too convenient to blame parents when the virus is still circulating in the air, and such narratives often serve as a smokescreen for the failings of those at the helm of public health initiatives. The management of the polio program seems to mirror the age-old practices of politicians, who often engage in discussions laden with platitudes while failing to implement effective solutions for the problems that the public face. Reports suggest that the higher authorities involved in the polio program are more inclined to gather for discussions over snacks than to engage in actionable strategies that address the crisis. This approach raises serious questions about the commitment of leadership to genuinely combat polio rather than simply perform a facade of concern. If I were to adopt a Mumbai Indians’ perspective, I might say, “Ghanta Kuch Nahi Hona, Ye Sab Drama Hai.”
READ MORE: Polio in Sindh: Policy & leadership?
This sentiment captures the growing frustration with the apparent theatrics of the polio eradication efforts. The public deserves more than mere lip service and superficial measures; they need a transparent and effective plan of action. The reality is that the fight against polio requires decisive leadership, strategic planning, and a comprehensive approach that encompasses community engagement and awareness. Simply placing the burden on parents while the system remains ineffectual is not only unjust but also detrimental to the very children we aim to protect. It is time for those in power to acknowledge their role in this ongoing crisis and to take tangible steps toward real solutions that will bring about lasting change. In this critical juncture, let us call for accountability and a shift in focus from blaming parents to empowering communities and enhancing the effectiveness of polio management strategies. The stakes are high, and the future of countless children hangs in the balance. It is essential that we move beyond the theatrics and into a realm of meaningful action, for only then can we hope to eradicate polio and secure a healthier future for all.
The emergence of a new polio case in Hyderabad has sent shockwaves through Sindh, bringing to light the persistent and troubling challenges facing public health in Pakistan. Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah’s dismay is palpable as he confronts this setback, which not only threatens the hard-won gains in the fight against this debilitating disease but also underscores the precariousness of the province’s health initiatives. The case involves a two-and-a-half-year-old child and stands as a stark reminder of the significant obstacles that remain in eradicating a virus that has long afflicted communities. The gravity of this situation is compounded by a disturbing trend: a rise in polio cases across Sindh, particularly in Karachi. Health experts are increasingly alarmed, questioning the management of the polio program and the effectiveness of current strategies. Despite standing on the precipice of eradication under the former Coordinator of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for Sindh, Fayaz Hussain Abbasi, the province now finds itself grappling with renewed infections. Abbasi’s decisive actions had previously curtailed the virus’s spread, bringing the dream of a polio-free status tantalizingly close.
READ MORE: What harms polio program?
The recent resurgence of polio cases in Sindh underscores a stark reality: the battle against this insidious virus remains a pressing concern. While there have been significant strides made in the past, the persistent presence of polio serves as a clarion call, emphasizing that the path to eradication is littered with challenges that extend beyond governmental efforts. Central to this issue is the recognition that public health initiatives, particularly vaccination campaigns, hinge on a collective commitment. The call for door-to-door vaccination efforts must be matched by robust parental engagement. The success of these initiatives cannot rest solely on the shoulders of health officials or government directives; it requires a grassroots movement where parents take an active role in ensuring their children receive vaccinations. This is not merely a recommendation but a necessity in overcoming vaccine hesitancy and misinformation that threaten to undermine public health.
Yet, as my recent article ‘Polio in Sindh: Policy & Leadership?’ outlines, the resurgence of cases raises critical questions about leadership and accountability. “The sudden uptick in cases is troubling and points to a serious need for investigation into what went wrong,” lamented a health expert, echoing the sentiments of many in the medical community. Vaccine hesitancy has long posed challenges, yet under Abbasi’s leadership, these issues had been effectively mitigated. The current situation calls for a thorough examination of the shortcomings in strategy, especially as new infections emerge with alarming regularity. CM Murad Ali Shah has disclosed that the polio tally in Sindh has now reached five, contributing to a national total of 24 cases. These figures represent not only a toll on the affected children but also a wider societal burden, emphasizing the urgent need for renewed efforts in the fight against polio.
READ MORE: Can PM alone eradicate polio?
In this context, the role of the media cannot be overstated. The proliferation of misinformation, especially on social media platforms, poses a significant risk to the integrity of health initiatives. Unverified claims and sensational narratives can easily distort public perception, making it imperative for media outlets to reclaim their role as defenders of truth. Journalistic integrity must be at the forefront of reporting on health issues, as the public’s trust in vaccination efforts depends on accurate and responsible communication. In an age where sensationalism often overshadows factual reporting, the media must rise to the occasion, prioritizing the dissemination of truthful information. Moreover, the fight against polio transcends the boundaries of mere public health; it symbolizes a broader societal commitment to the welfare of future generations.
Every case of polio is not just a statistic but a profound reminder of our collective obligation to protect our children from preventable diseases. The urgency of this mission calls for a united front, where communities come together to advocate for the vaccine’s importance and dispel myths that may hinder progress. Ultimately, the eradication of polio is a shared responsibility that demands the involvement of every individual. As we navigate this complex landscape, let us recognize that our strength lies in unity and collective action. The time for complacency has passed; it is now imperative for all stakeholders—parents, health officials, and media representatives—to collaborate in this vital endeavor. Only through concerted efforts can we hope to secure a healthier future and ensure that the legacy of polio becomes a chapter of the past.
(The writer is a senior journalist covering various beats, can be reached at news@metro-morning.com)
