India became officially free of polio last month. It is now three years
since its last case was recorded. The health minister praised the efforts of
more than two million vaccinators who had made this possible.
India had launched its anti-polio campaign in 1995. An important role
was played by religious leaders who gave reassurance to people who were
suspicious about the immunisations. The country now hopes to eradicate measles
by 2020.
Over the border in Pakistan, it is a different story. Along with
Afghanistan and Nigeria, it is one of the last three countries in the world where
the disease is still endemic. Indeed, it is on the increase. The practice of
murdering vaccination workers does not help.
Last month, three were killed in Karachi, as were six policemen on their
way to guard the teams. Those who oppose the immunisation programme claim it is
a Western plot to sterilise Muslims. Now India is worried that the disease my
re-enter the country from Pakistan.
So sad.
ReplyDeleteCan you add "Sad" to "funny, Interesting and cool"?
Deleteyes, it's a depressing story, and there have been further similar incidents
ReplyDelete