The Taliban suspends polio vaccine campaign in Afghanistan – here’s the likely impact

[Still Waters]

The Taliban recently announced that they are suspending its polio vaccination campaign in Afghanistan. The announcement was made shortly before the campaign was due to start.

The suspension is temporary, according to the Taliban, and is due to security fears and the fact that women are involved in administering the vaccine.

Poliovirus is a highly infectious virus that mainly affects children under the age of five, but anyone who is unvaccinated can be infected. 

Afghanistan is one of only two countries, alongside neighbouring Pakistan, where polio has continued to spread. So the news that the Taliban have suspended polio vaccination will probably have major consequences for the control of the disease in Afghanistan and the surrounding region.

https://theconversation.com/the-taliban-suspends-polio-vaccine-campaign-in-afghanistan-heres-the-likely-impact-239316

[+susieice]

Polio is spreading in Afghanistan and they suspended the vaccine program because women are giving the shots? Really? What security fears? It sounds like the disease is going to be a lot worse.

[Michelle]

2 hours ago, susieice said:

Polio is spreading in Afghanistan and they suspended the vaccine program because women are giving the shots? Really? What security fears? It sounds like the disease is going to be a lot worse.

Maybe the men are afraid the women will pay them back for how they are treated. I know it would tempt me.

[+susieice]

39 minutes ago, Michelle said:

Maybe the men are afraid the women will pay them back for how they are treated. I know it would tempt me.

Me too.

[Susanc241]

Polio vaccine aren’t shots, but liquid administered by drops straight into the mouth.

[Tatetopa]

Anti-vaxxers? Sad and backward since some of their kids are already getting it. What the heck?

[Still Waters]

On 9/24/2024 at 6:47 AM, Susanc241 said:

Polio vaccine aren’t shots, but liquid administered by drops straight into the mouth.

It used to be on a sugar cube back in the day.

Nowadays there are 2 types:

Quote

Polio vaccines are vaccines used to prevent poliomyelitis (polio).[2][3] Two types are used: an inactivated poliovirus given by injection (IPV) and a weakened poliovirus given by mouth (OPV).[2] 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polio_vaccine

[Susanc241]

Yep, I remember having my polio vaccine on a sugar lump in the 1950s.  The injectable is new to me, so thanks for pointing that out.  All of the news items I have seen have shown it being given have shown the oral type.  Best way really in these poor countries as minimal training needed to give it.