The World Health Organization (WHO) has terminated the contracts of 73 union council operation polio officers in Khyber tribal district, leaving critical gaps in the region’s polio vaccination efforts. These officers, key players in the community-based vaccination program, were responsible for administering polio drops and addressing rising vaccine refusals in Khyber and Peshawar. The sudden decision has raised serious concerns about the health and safety of thousands of children in the region.
Abrupt Termination Shocks Officers
The termination notices, issued without prior warning, have instructed the officers to immediately cease their duties. The notices did not specify any reason, but sources within the polio eradication program suspect a shortage of funds prompted the decision.
The move has left the affected officers, many of whom have served for over 15 years, in shock and financial distress. Moreover, these officers had diligently worked in high-risk areas and played a crucial role in the fight against polio. Some had even sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
Read: Polio Cases Surge in Pakistan, Urging Emergency Action
Impact on Polio Campaigns
The termination comes at a critical time when polio cases are rising, and vaccination campaigns are planned for Khyber, Peshawar, and other districts. Officials fear that this decision could undermine ongoing efforts to control the spread of the virus.
Khyber’s proximity to Afghanistan, a known reservoir of the poliovirus, further exacerbates the risk. The sudden loss of experienced staff could leave thousands of children vulnerable to the disease, potentially reversing the progress made in the region’s polio eradication efforts.
Community Demands Reinstatement
The decision has sparked outrage among the terminated officers, their families, and local tribal elders. Residents of the Kukikhel tribe in Jamrud have demanded that the WHO reverse its decision immediately. They argue that these officers are not only essential for the vaccination campaigns but also rely on their jobs as their primary source of livelihood.
The community has also warned of severe consequences if their demands do not meet. Tribal elders have threatened to boycott the upcoming polio vaccination campaigns and withhold cooperation from health authorities if the officers are not reinstated.
Long-Standing Commitment Undervalued
The terminated officers and their supporters have expressed disappointment over what they see as a lack of recognition for their years of service. They emphasized that these officers had worked tirelessly under challenging conditions and had been instrumental in addressing vaccine hesitancy in the region.
The Road Ahead
The WHO’s decision to terminate these officers highlights the precarious nature of global health initiatives reliant on funding. Thus, as the organization faces financial constraints, critical programs like polio eradication risk being compromised.
With polio still posing a significant threat in Pakistan, especially in border areas like Khyber, reinstating experienced officers is essential to sustaining vaccination efforts. The decision has not only affected the lives of the terminated workers but also jeopardized the health of thousands of children.
The community’s response underscores the urgent need for dialogue and action to ensure the continuity of vaccination campaigns and safeguard public health in the region.
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