HEALTH

Polio Vaccination Team Attacked in Karachi, Six Suspects Arrested

Polio workers in Karachi attacked during vaccination drive; 6 arrested, including 4 women. Workers and police suffered minor injuries.
2024-12-20
Polio Vaccination Team Attacked in Karachi, Six Suspects Arrested

A polio vaccination team was attacked during an anti-polio campaign in Karachi’s Korangi area, leaving several polio workers and police personnel injured.

According to law enforcement officials, the incident occurred when the vaccination team visited a family to administer polio drops to children. The family reportedly refused to vaccinate their children and launched an assault on the team.

Attack on Health Workers

The attackers allegedly used shovels to beat the polio workers and also forcibly took their mobile phones. The team reported the incident to the police, prompting a rapid response.

Police arrived at the scene and detained six individuals involved in the attack, including four women. The suspects were identified as Samina, Mah Jabeen, Amna, Iqra, Imran, and Sufyan.

Injuries and Treatment

Both the polio workers and accompanying police personnel sustained minor injuries in the incident. They were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Police Statement

A police spokesperson condemned the attack, emphasizing the importance of the polio eradication campaign. "Such incidents jeopardize the safety of healthcare workers and impede efforts to protect children from this debilitating disease," the spokesperson said.

Authorities assured the public that those involved in the attack would face strict legal consequences to deter similar incidents in the future.

The Bigger Picture

Polio vaccination campaigns in Pakistan have faced numerous challenges, including misinformation and resistance from certain segments of the population. These attacks threaten the progress made toward eradicating polio in the country.

Health officials have reiterated the importance of vaccinating children against polio, urging communities to cooperate with vaccination teams to protect future generations.