Thousands of police protect polio vaccination teams in Karachi

Over 8,000 police officers protect polio workers in Karachi as Pakistan fights to eradicate the crippling disease.

Authorities deployed over 8,000 police officers to safeguard polio vaccination teams across Karachi. Pakistan remains one of the last two nations globally where polio is still endemic. Health workers face severe challenges including intense heat, physical exhaustion, and widespread misinformation.

• The securityOver 8,000 police personnel guard the health workers during vaccination drives in Karachi.
• The contextPakistan and Afghanistan remain the only two countries globally where polio is still endemic.
• The workforceFemale health workers carry out the door-to-door drops because cultural norms permit them inside homes.
• The challengeWidespread rumours and misinformation among uneducated communities continue to hinder eradication efforts.