The reason of Fitna Al Khawarij (FAK) being against polio vaccination teams working in Bajour is sheer brutality and ignorance. This horrible crime against noble healthcare workers is a testimony of the inhumane approach adopted by these terrorists who are attempting to put innocent children’s future in jeopardy due to sheer ignorance. Such attacks do more harm because they destroy the chances of our future generations to a healthy and wholesome life. These attacks also expose the evil intentions of the extremists who want to destroy our society through instilling fear in their lives since these terrorists chose to follow their destructive ideology instead of promoting welfare.
It is an outrage against humanity itself that these polio teams, and their security personnel are being subjected to these horrific attacks
It is an outrage against humanity itself that these polio teams, and their security personnel are being subjected to these horrific attacks. Polio workers risk their lives to provide vaccine to our young population and the violence they face is detrimental to their work as healthcare professionals especially in vulnerable areas. Condemning these barbaric acts in the strongest possible terms is vital as these attacks have left countless families destroyed due to this debilitating disease and deprived access to communities of crucial healthcare services.
The consequences of these heinous crimes will be catastrophic if not dealt in an expedient manner by immediately implementing robust policies to protect Polio vaccination teams
The consequences of these heinous crimes will be catastrophic if not dealt in an expedient manner by immediately implementing robust policies to protect Polio vaccination teams. Preventable diseases will continue to plague communities, and the public health system will find it more difficult to fight other upcoming health emergencies.
The whole nation needs to come together to bring these heinous criminals to justice. Therefore, the government should take the security forces, religious scholars, civil society, and the general public on board to collectively design a strategy to bring them to justice. Otherwise, these terrorists will be even more emboldened, and their next attacks will involve more lives. In areas with high risk, the government should immediately deploy adequate security personnel to escort vaccination teams.
People of religious scholarship must act upon these narratives with authentic Islamic teachings that promote the safety of public wellbeing
Scepticism about polio vaccination is seen to have been fueled by misinformation and propaganda. To successively deal with this propaganda, the importance of immunization needs to be promoted and myths about it need to be dispelled. A nationwide awareness campaign is the need of the hour. This campaign should involve religious leaders, educators, and community influencers. Religious sentiments are wrongly used by many extremists to promote their anti-vaccination stance. People of religious scholarship must act upon these narratives with authentic Islamic teachings that promote the safety of public wellbeing. Actions must be swift and decisive against those who attack polio teams. Only strict enforcement of law will help prevent these attacks.
It is a shared responsibility to ensure that the lives of healthcare workers as well as children they tried to immunize are protected. It is also the responsibility of the international community to help the local efforts to achieve successful eradication of polio. Also, funding, technical support and policy guidance must be extended by the government to these high-risk regions.
In addition, the media must also have a key role in presenting the plight of polio workers. The media can amplify the voices of affected families and healthcare workers, providing support for polio campaigns on a wider scale to counter the effect of the radical elements which want to derail these campaigns.
Polio is not just a health issue; it is morally important to resist regressive forces. Just as we must fight against disease, the fight against extremism and ignorance has to be carried out
It is an unforgivable crime that radical elements are continuing to target polio vaccination teams because in this manner they are targeting the future of an entire generation. These are people who risk their lives to protect children from a preventable disease. This menace must be fought with all force and those responsible must face justice.
Polio is not just a health issue; it is morally important to resist regressive forces. Just as we must fight against disease, the fight against extremism and ignorance has to be carried out. Real security will only be achieved through constantly working in a focused manner to deliver a healthier, safer future for our children. We must continue the battle against polio, despite the dangers this fight poses otherwise our country will slide backwards into darkness and suffering.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
