Karachi is on red alert as refusal rates for polio vaccines hit alarming levels — with over 37,700 parents rejecting vaccination in May alone, according to the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
District East led the crisis with 9,433 refusals, followed by District Central (7,141) and Keamari (7,111). Even areas like Malir (4,606), Korangi (3,453), South (3,145), and West (2,922) showed disturbing trends.
The EOC warned that vaccine refusals are now the biggest roadblock in the war against polio — driven by misconceptions and lack of awareness.
“Fighting polio needs more than vaccines — it needs trust,” the EOC said, calling for urgent action and consistent public cooperation.
Polio won’t stop until the refusals do.