Amid growing polio cases in the country which is facing the prospect of an international travel ban, the Pakistan Army today said it would assist the government in providing security and access for polio vaccinators.
Pakistan has the highest number of polio cases in the world but the fight against the deadly disease has been affected by the volatile security situation, especially in the tribal areas where the militant groups have called for a ban.
“In line with the government’s initiative to eradicate polio from Pakistan, the army has been asked to assist the civil government in making this campaign a success. A meeting was held at GHQ to coordinate details of the campaign with particular emphasis on security and access to affected areas,” a statement by the military here said.
Pakistani military spokesperson Major General Asim Bajwa tweeted, “Army to assist Govt in security and access to affected areas. Shamefully we are the highest incidence country”.
Today’s meeting was attended by representatives from the World Health Organisation (WHO), federal government, KPK government and FATA secretariat.
The forum was apprised about the current polio situation in the country and challenges being faced for smooth conduct of the anti-polio campaign.
The attendees also expressed the urgency for polio eradication initiative to save future generations.
They emphasised the need to take all necessary measures including improving security situation to make Pakistan a polio-free country.
“It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan may face an international travel ban due to highest number of polio cases worldwide and is one of three countries where polio is still categorised as an endemic viral infection. Polio eradication in Pakistan faces security challenges thus demanding a Whole of Nation Approach,” the statement said.
Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria are the only countries in the world where the polio virus is still active.
Polio persists in Pakistan with militant groups seeing vaccination campaigns as a cover for espionage.
According to WHO, Pakistan recorded 91 cases of polio last year, up from 58 in 2012.
WHO has also warned that Peshawar is the world’s “largest reservoir” of the crippling virus.
Militants and gunmen frequently attack vaccination teams, accusing them of being spies in a Western plot to “sterilise” Muslims.
Accusations that immunisation campaigns are cover for spies were given credence after the killing of al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in 2011 by US special forces.
Jailed doctor Shakeel Afridi is alleged to have helped the US track down bin Laden through a vaccination drive held in Abbottabad near his hideout.