The Curious Case of Polio Eradication in Pakistan

This book is a study that empirically examines the performance of the polio vaccine administering staff during the campaign days. It further determines their significance, level of proficiency as well as their effectiveness. The study employed the overt observation technique on the operational planning of and the execution by the polio campaign teams. Besides, paired and detailed interviews of the lower and higher tier vaccine administering staff, from the donor as well as the government side, were conducted. Additionally, group discussion of the polio campaign area in-charges was carried out. Major findings of the study are the absence of a formal staff induction system, lack of training of polio campaign teams; their insufficient remuneration packages and also inordinate delay in its disbursement; and inconsistent social mobilization campaigns. Lastly, the study recommends institutionalized induction of staff and their training; commensurate incentive structure with a smooth disbursement system; and consistent social mobilization campaigns in collaboration with the donor/international partner agencies.