Fake Finger Marking Complicates Polio Vaccination Drives, Coverage In Pakistan
Reuters: Fake polio markers highlight risks to Pakistan vaccination drive
“Pakistan’s polio eradication campaign has hit serious problems with an alarming spike in reported cases that has raised doubts over the quality of vaccination reporting and prompted officials to review their approach to stopping the crippling disease. … Officials estimate that so-called fake finger marking, sometimes in collusion with health workers, is hiding the true scale of refusal rates — and thus gaps in vaccination. In some areas, as many as 8% of families may be refusing or avoiding vaccination, a level which would mean the disease is not eradicated…” (Ahman/Mackenzie, 7/15).