Khyber Pakhtunkhwa [Pakistan]: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has introduced a groundbreaking policy requiring polio vaccination as a mandatory condition for obtaining birth, death, and marriage certificates, according to The Express Tribune.
This initiative is part of the province’s intensified efforts to eliminate polio and achieve full immunization coverage. The directive stipulates that families refusing to administer polio drops to their children will be denied these essential documents.
The policy primarily targets areas around Peshawar and nearby village councils, aiming to ensure comprehensive immunization and curb the risk of polio transmission in high-risk communities.
A formal notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Peshawar and forwarded to the District Health Officer (DHO) and Medical Officer (MO) has detailed strict measures for compliance. The notice also warns of disciplinary action against officials who fail to enforce the directive, The Express Tribune reported.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, a health department spokesperson stated:
“This decision will ensure that every child is immunised, and we are taking all necessary steps to safeguard future generations from polio.”
Polio eradication has been a persistent challenge for Pakistan, which remains one of the few countries still struggling to eliminate the virus entirely. Despite extensive vaccination drives, resistance from certain families has hindered progress, often due to misinformation and cultural beliefs.
The K-P government sees this policy as a critical step in overcoming such resistance and increasing vaccination rates. Health organizations, both domestic and international, are closely monitoring the initiative, which could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
By linking the issuance of vital documents to vaccination compliance, the provincial administration hopes to expedite its mission to declare Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a polio-free region.