Efficacy of Polio Campaign Management in Quetta: An Analysis of Issues from Stakeholders’ Perspective

Abstract

Pakistan is part of global news headlines, often for the wrong reasons. Among other things, prevalence of polio despite colossal efforts by nationalgovernment and international organizations, for its eradication is a cause of concern. Huge population, poverty, low literacy rate, rudimentary health infrastructure, presence and move of refugees and internally displaced people; religious extremism and, above all, security concerns add to the problem of polio control in Pakistan. Within Pakistan, Quetta is considered to be among the most volatile region as regards to polio. It can be rightly said that problems confronted by stakeholders in polio eradication campaigns in Quetta is a reflection of predicaments of Pakistan as regards to polio control.  The research study explores the efficacy of polio eradication campaigns in Quetta city through major stakeholders’ perspectives including parents, general public, security forces and health personnel involved in campaigns.  Descriptive method of analysis has been applied in order to study various dimension of campaigns including awareness level, securityand campaign management. Thus, results of this research would be helpful as they can be applied, wholly or in parts, to other areas of Pakistan. This study had endeavored to explore the problems faced by different stakeholders at multiple tiers who are striving hard for eradication of polio from the city despite challenges to their lives as well.