Polio Pulse

Polio Pulse provides social listening insights to support GPEI’s polio interventions on disinformation, crisis communication, and strategic communication. Data is monitored from polio-endemic and outbreak countries and geographies classified by GPEI, covering 12 major languages spoken in these regions. The platform is managed by the UNICEF Digital Community Engagement (DCE) team.

Medium Risk

Posts claim that polio vaccination exists to make money or hurt children in Pakistan

Geography
Pakistan
Themes
Conspiracy theories
Safety and side effects

Analysis

As Pakistan reports its 13th polio case this year, some online continue to spread myths about polio vaccines. Some social media users called the reports a “lie,” claiming that polio exists in the country so politicians can “earn dollars.” Others suggested that polio vaccines are “poison” that harm children and that health officials are “playing with the lives of small children.”

Recommendations

False claims about the safety of polio vaccines may harm polio vaccination campaigns and put children at risk, especially in countries like Pakistan with active polio spread. Debunking messaging may emphasize that polio vaccines are thoroughly tested, very safe, and the only way to protect children from polio. Consider partnering with trusted local messengers, such as community health workers, cultural figures, and faith leaders, to explain the importance of anti-polio work to ensure that all children receive polio drops. Messaging may emphasize that billions of people and multiple generations worldwide have safely received the polio vaccine.