Polio Vaccine Hesitancy in Pakistan & Afghanistan – A Systematic Review

By Parisa Hossain-Ibrahim

EMS300 Student Conference 2026

Slide 1: Figure 1: Financial Times (2016). A full description follows.

Summary

The presentation examines polio vaccine hesitancy in Pakistan and Afghanistan, highlighting the endemic status of polio and the significant vaccination gaps among children. It identifies 40 reasons for hesitancy, categorised using the 5C model, with political instability and lack of confidence being major barriers. The systematic review methodology is outlined, detailing qualitative and quantitative findings. Limitations include geographical and language barriers. Conclusions stress the need for targeted interventions and further research to address vaccine hesitancy in these regions, considering the broader implications for public health.