The Global Poverty Project is deeply saddened by the news today that five polio vaccinators have been killed in Karachi, Pakistan and condemn the multiple attacks responsible for this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the vaccinators' families, as well as to the children who are right now being denied access to basic health services and interventions, to which they should be entitled to.
The vaccinators had been working to protect children in their community against polio as part of a three-day vaccination round. It follows a similar incident yesterday, in which a male polio vaccinator, also in Karachi, was killed.
It is important to note that no one has yet come forward to claim responsibility for the attack. Investigations continue and the vaccination round has been suspended in Karachi.
The loss of these polio heroes serves as a reminder of the bravery and dedication of the men and women who work under such insecurity, many as volunteers, to ensure that Pakistan’s children can be safe from this debilitating disease.
The best way we can honour their sacrifice is to ensure that all children in Pakistan receive basic health services and that polio is finally eradicated from Pakistan. To that end, the Global Poverty Project is committed to supporting global polio eradication efforts wherever it can.
Please direct enquiries through to Michael Sheldrick at michael.sheldrick (at) globalpovertyproject.com or on +61 411 513 931. |