Pakistan's Polio Vaccination Campaign Under Threat

Strategic Insights -

A police officer was killed in a shooting in Noshki, Balochistan, while guarding polio workers, days after Pakistan launched a nationwide vaccination campaign targeting 45 million children. The attack is the latest in a series of incidents plaguing the country's efforts to eradicate polio, with over 200 polio workers and police killed since the 1990s. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has vowed stern action against those responsible, but the assault raises concerns about the ability of polio workers to operate safely in a region dominated by separatist groups and the Pakistani Taliban.

Key Takeaways:

  • The attack occurred in Noshki, a district in Balochistan province, and no one has claimed responsibility yet.
  • Suspicions fall on separatist groups and the Pakistani Taliban, which have stepped up attacks on security forces and civilians in recent months.
  • The attack is the latest in a series of incidents targeting polio workers, with over 200 killed since the 1990s.
  • Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two countries where polio has not been stopped, according to the World Health Organization.
  • The country launched a nationwide polio vaccination campaign targeting 45 million children, just a day before the attack.
  • Since January, Pakistan has reported 10 polio cases from various parts of the country, despite the launch of anti-polio drives.
  • Last year, Pakistan witnessed a surge in polio cases, with 74 reported cases, a significant increase from 2021 when only one case was reported.

Statistics:

  • 45 million: The number of children targeted in the nationwide polio vaccination campaign launched by Pakistan.
  • 10: The number of polio cases reported in Pakistan since January, despite the launch of anti-polio drives.
  • 74: The number of polio cases reported in Pakistan last year, significantly higher than the one reported case in 2021.
  • 2: The number of countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan, where polio has not been stopped, according to the World Health Organization.
  • 1990s: The decade when attacks on polio workers began, with over 200 killed since then.
  • 2025: The year in which The Associated Press reported the story.

Sources:

  • AP (2025) - The Associated Press
  • World Health Organization -