Efforts to eradicate polio worldwide have stalled, particularly in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the last countries where the virus remains endemic. Health workers on the ground report widespread issues, including falsified vaccination records, poorly trained staff, and improper vaccine storage, all exacerbated by mistrust, misinformation, and security threats. The oral vaccine, once hailed as a breakthrough, is now under scrutiny for rare but serious side effects and its role in sparking new outbreaks in areas with low immunization rates. Despite vaccinating billions of children and preventing millions of cases of paralysis, the campaign faces criticism for clinging to outdated strategies, failing to adapt to local challenges, and not addressing the root causes of resistance. As funding wanes and public skepticism grows, experts warn that without significant changes, the goal of global polio eradication may remain out of reach.

Original article source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-14971099/The-world-nearly-beat-polio-But-fake-records-imperfect-vaccine-missteps-aided-comeback.html
Source Id: 8801172689