Dear HIFA Colleagues,
Greetings from Social Assistance and Rehabilitation for the Physically Vulnerable (SARPV).
I was deeply concerned to read Fatima’s account from Pakistan regarding the myths surrounding polio vaccination. Such misconceptions highlight the urgent need for stronger community education before introducing new health initiatives.
From my own experience in Bangladesh, when we promoted calcium-rich vegetables and small fish to children to prevent rickets, we found that success depended on first educating families. Communities need to understand both the benefits of these interventions and the risks of neglecting them. Presenting real-life examples of positive outcomes is often the most effective way to build trust and acceptance.
Regarding polio vaccination and vasectomy [*see note below], I understand that certain programs were discontinued, which may have contributed to confusion and mistrust. Misinterpretations — such as the false belief that vaccination is linked to vasectomy — can be very damaging. Communities naturally aspire to live normal lives, and misinformation that threatens family life can cause fear and resistance.
Therefore, I believe it is essential to:
• Gain a clear picture of the community context.
• Assess what public health programs are currently active.
• Evaluate the level of community education and general literacy.
• Build social awareness through transparent communication and culturally sensitive education.
Only with this foundation can we ensure that health programs are accepted and effective.
Warm regards,
Shahidul Haque (Ashoka Fellow)
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
SARPV
Address: House No: 274/4, 3rd Floor.
South Monipur, (60 Feet Road)
Mirpur. Dhaka-1216
Telephone no: +88-02-226622022, 02-226622023 and 02-226622024
Email: shahidul@sarpv.org shahidul.sarpv@gmail.com, shahidul@sarpv.org.bd
Web:// www.sarpv.org
HIFA profile: Md. Shahidul Haque is Chief Executive of Social Assistance and Rehabilitation for the Physically Vulnerable (SARPV) in Bangladesh. Professional interests: As we are working since 1992 to reduce childhood disability at an early stage and in some cases trying to prevent children with disabilities from Nutritional Rickets Disease. Email address: Shahidul.sarpv AT gmail.com
[*Note from HIFA moderator (NPW): Thank you Shahidul. I'm not aware of any link with vasectomy, which is a surgical procedure that results in male sterilization. However, there are many myths surrounding polio vaccine. Some of the myths circulating in Pakistan are described here https://mmi.edu.pk/blog/polio-vaccine-debunking-the-myths/ and it states: 'One of the most common myths about the polio vaccine is that it causes infertility or impotence. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The polio vaccine does not contain ingredients to make a person infertile and there are no anti-fertility agents included in the production process that could cause infertility.']