10 arrested, 160 booked for refusing polio vaccination in Pakistan

Ten people have been arrested and another 160 booked for refusing to vaccinate their children during the anti-polio campaign in northwest Pakistan.

Some parents and relatives refused polio vaccine to their children in Nowshera district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, the Dawn reported.

Police arrested 10 people and registered cases against 160 others in the area, the paper said, citing officials.

Nowshera region police chief ordered strict action against those who intervene and stop health teams administering polio drops to children below five years of age.

The paper reported that 96% polio cases so far reported are among the Pashto-speaking population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and tribal region.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared that Pakistan is responsible for nearly 80% of polio cases reported globally.

To prevent the possible spread of the polio virus from Pakistan to other countries, the WHO imposed strict travel restrictions on the country.

Militant groups often attack polio teams as they see vaccination campaigns a cover for espionage. There are also long running rumours about polio drops causing infertility.

Pakistan is making efforts despite odds to eradicate polio and vaccination campaigns are frequently launched to reach the targeted population.