Afghanistan and Pakistan, as one epidemiologic block for polio eradication, annually plan synchronized immunization campaigns since early 2000. There is always risk of polio importation for both countries. Low polio immunization coverage in one country will increase the chance of polio importation into the other one. Afghanistan is very much concerned over the intensified insecurity in Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and the FATA.
The prevailing insecurity in NWFP and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) will definitely affect the coverage and quality of polio immunization activities in Pakistan. As a result, Afghanistan will be affected by the influx of Pakistani refugees and Afghan returnees, who will probably bring polio virus with their unvaccinated children to Afghanistan.
Although Afghanistan has intensified its efforts towards eradicating polio in Afghanistan, the insecurity in NWFP of Pakistan and some areas in southern and eastern Afghanistan will pose many challenges to Afghan efforts in stopping polio circulation in Afghanistan. We appeal to all warring parties in Pakistan and Afghanistan to avail themselves of all opportunities so that health providers can reach children and vaccinate them against polio said Dr. SM Amin Fatimie, the Minister of Public Health.
In late April 2009, insecurity in NWFP and the FATA intensified, leading to further mass forced displacement of the civilian population. Between mid-2008 and the end of April 2009, at least 577,167 people fled their homes in NWFP, including the FATA. As of the end of April 2009, the intensified insecurity in southern Malakand Division has led to a further displacement of 1,206,203 people. According to the latest registration information available, the current number of people displaced by the insecurity since 2008 is now 1,783,380. Reports from the NWFP, including the FATA indicate that the people who have stayed in the areas where the situation has worsened are believed to be severely affected, and the prevailing security situation has severely constrained humanitarian workers' access to them. To date, information from inside these areas is extremely limited. However, reports indicate that the insecurity has resulted in significant civilian casualties, restricted freedom of movement (including access to emergency health services), and devastated civilian infrastructure.
MoPH Afghanistan believes, as per the Islamic Teaching, that all believers should be accountable to the health promotion for themselves and others with different faiths. Muslims are obliged by Allah, the Almighty and His Messenger Mohammad (PBUH) to pay great attention to the health and well being of all people, Muslims and Non-Muslims. Hazrat Mohammad (PBUH) said that: all the mankind are one body and if one organ of this body suffers all organs of the body will suffer. If you do not sympathize with others sufferings, then surely you do not belong to the mankind. He (PBUH) also said that Hygiene was half of faith. Islam divides Science into two branches: Science of Religions and Science of Bodies (medicine). Islam urges Muslims to prevent diseases and seek treatment for sickness. Since health is high in the agenda of Muslims, therefore, we request all parties, especially armed oppositions in Pakistan and Afghanistan, to responsibly let health workers reach children and vaccinate them against polio. Otherwise polio virus will be circulating in these two countries and more kids will die or become victim of paralysis.
