Polio vaccination made mandatory for birth, marriage and death certificates in KP

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, under the leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has introduced a significant policy to combat polio by linking essential government certificates to vaccination.

Parents in seven tehsils of Peshawar District will now be required to provide proof of their children's polio vaccination in order to receive vital documents such as birth, marriage, and death certificates.

This proof must come in the form of a verification certificate issued by the district health office.

This initiative comes as Pakistan faces a concerning rise in polio cases, with 64 reported so far in 2024, underscoring the urgent need for action. In many parts of KP, parents remain hesitant to vaccinate their children due to misinformation and misconceptions about the vaccine.

In response to this challenge, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently launched a national anti-polio campaign aimed at vaccinating children under five.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to eradicating polio, highlighting the alarming increase in infections, with at least 60 cases reported. Despite these setbacks, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that through joint efforts between federal and provincial governments, the polio crisis can be overcome.

Prime Minister Sharif also acknowledged the support of international organizations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, WHO, and the Saudi government, in the fight against polio.

The new policy in KP, requiring proof of vaccination for key certificates, is part of a broader strategy to protect children and ensure the successful eradication of the polio virus in the region.