0
0
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Efforts to eradicate polio in Pakistan faced a serious setback this week after two polio vaccinators were abducted at gunpoint in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Monday.
The health workers, identified as Muhammad Asif and Raz Muhammad, were reportedly traveling on a passenger bus when they were forcibly taken by unknown armed men. The incident occurred while the bus was en route from Dera Ismail Khan to Kulachi, a region known for challenges in implementing health initiatives.
This disturbing event underscores the significant risks faced by frontline health workers dedicated to immunizing children against polio in Pakistan. As of now, no group has come forward to claim responsibility for the abduction, leaving the motives and the whereabouts of the workers unknown. Authorities are investigating the incident.
Pakistan, along with neighboring Afghanistan, is one of the last two countries in the world where the wild poliovirus remains endemic. Despite significant progress over the years, eradication efforts have been consistently hampered by security challenges, including targeted attacks and threats against vaccination teams, particularly in volatile areas. This abduction represents another blow to the critical mission of protecting children from this debilitating disease.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided regarding the abduction of two polio workers in Pakistan. It synthesizes the details available from the source material.
