Over 37,000 Parents in Karachi Refuse Polio Vaccine in May, Raising Alarm for Health Officials - Bio Points News

Karachi, June 13, 2025 — In a troubling development for Pakistan’s ongoing fight against polio, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has revealed that 37,711 parents in Karachi refused to vaccinate their children during the month of May 2025. This marks a slight increase from April’s 37,360 refusals, signaling a persistent challenge for public health authorities.

The District East emerged as the most resistant area, recording 9,433 refusals, followed by District Central with 7,141, and Kemari with 7,111. Other districts showed significant numbers as well:

• District Malir: 4,606 refusals

• District Korangi: 3,453 refusals

• District South: 3,145 refusals

• District West: 2,922 refusals

The data underscores the uphill battle faced by health workers and the government in eradicating polio, a highly infectious and potentially deadly disease.

Health Experts Raise Concerns

Officials at the EOC stressed the urgency of countering misinformation and lack of awareness, the two major reasons behind the ongoing vaccine refusals. The centre stated:

“The refusal rate during the anti-polio campaign remains a constant challenge. Polio eradication requires ongoing support from parents.”

The concern is particularly high for Union Councils labeled as "polio high-risk zones," where continued vaccine refusal could enable the poliovirus to spread unchecked.

National Campaign Underway

In response to the ongoing threat, the Pakistan Polio Programme launched its third National Immunisation Days (NIDs) campaign last month, aiming to immunize millions of children under the age of five.

The polio vaccination campaign remains the only defense against this paralyzing and incurable disease. Polio primarily targets children and, once contracted, can lead to lifelong paralysis or death. The oral polio vaccine (OPV) is a safe and effective method to immunize children and prevent outbreaks.

What Needs to Be Done?

Health experts emphasize the importance of community engagement, religious endorsements, and education campaigns in areas with high refusal rates. Combating myths and conspiracy theories about vaccines is now more critical than ever to secure a polio-free future for Pakistan.