### Tragic Attack on Polio Vaccination Team in Balochistan Highlights Ongoing Security Risks In a tragic incident on April 23, 2025, two Levies personnel were killed while guarding a polio vaccination team in the Mastung district of Balochistan, Pakistan. This attack underscores the persistent threats faced by health workers and their security escorts in a region where polio remains endemic. The gunmen, described as masked, targeted the security officials as they were providing protection to the vaccination team, which was conducting its operations in a local area. Fortunately, the health workers were unharmed as they were inside a house at the time of the attack [https://tribune.com.pk/story/2541765/two-levies-personnel-martyred-in-attack-on-polio-team-in-mastung][https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2025/04/23/gunmen-kill-2-pakistani-policemen-guarding-polio-vaccinators]. ### Structure of the Incident and Its Implications 1. **Incident Overview** - Two security personnel were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Mastung, Balochistan, while guarding a polio vaccination team [https://theprint.in/world/gunmen-kill-2-security-personnel-guarding-polio-vaccination-team-in-paks-balochistan/2600470]. - The attack occurred in a region known for its instability and history of violence against health workers [https://www.seattlepi.com/news/world/article/gunmen-kill-2-security-officials-assigned-to-20289915.php]. 2. **Context of Polio Vaccination in Pakistan** - Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries where polio remains endemic, making vaccination efforts critical [https://www.thedailystar.net/news/asia/south-asia/news/pakistan-gunmen-kill-two-police-guarding-polio-vaccinators-govt-3878281]. - Health workers have faced increasing violence, with militants often targeting vaccination teams and their security [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/health/3355738-attacks-on-polio-vaccination-teams-escalate-in-balochistan]. 3. **Response and Aftermath** - Local authorities have initiated a search for the assailants following the attack [https://tribune.com.pk/story/2541765/two-levies-personnel-martyred-in-attack-on-polio-team-in-mastung]. - The incident raises concerns about the safety of health workers and the continuation of vaccination programs in the region [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/health/3356235-tragedy-strikes-polio-vaccination-team-in-balochistan]. ### Evidence of Increasing Violence Against Health Workers - **Recent Attacks**: The attack on April 23 is part of a troubling trend, with multiple incidents reported in recent years targeting polio vaccination teams in Balochistan. - **Statistics**: According to reports, there have been numerous attacks on health workers, leading to a significant decline in vaccination rates in affected areas [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/health/3355738-attacks-on-polio-vaccination-teams-escalate-in-balochistan]. ### Conclusion: A Call for Enhanced Security Measures The recent attack on security personnel guarding a polio vaccination team in Balochistan highlights the urgent need for improved security measures to protect health workers. 1. **Immediate Action Required**: Authorities must enhance security protocols for vaccination teams to ensure their safety while performing critical health services. 2. **Long-term Solutions**: Addressing the root causes of violence against health workers is essential for the success of vaccination campaigns in Pakistan and Afghanistan. 3. **Community Engagement**: Increasing community awareness and support for vaccination efforts can help mitigate risks and improve health outcomes in these regions. The ongoing violence against health workers poses a significant challenge to public health initiatives, particularly in combating polio in endemic regions [https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2025/04/23/pakistan-gunmen-kill-two-police-guarding-polio-vaccinators-].