The 2026 Evidence Brief on Faith, Gender, and Immunization: Overcoming Barriers to Polio Eradication in Pakistan and Afghanistan, published by the Joint Learning Initiative on Faith &Local Communities-JLI and UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia-ROSA, synthesizes key evidence on the social and cultural dynamics affecting polio eradication in the two countries.

The resource, by Haleemah Ahmad, focuses specifically on the intersection of religious influence, gender-related barriers, and vaccine misinformation.

Drawing on insights from religious scholars, local institutions, and frontline workers across the region, this brief explores why immunization efforts continue to miss children despite repeated campaigns, surveillance systems and significant investments.

It also provides actionable, evidence-informed strategic recommendations to help effectively engage faith actors and navigate complex community trust issues to ensure every child is reached.

Read more and Download the full report.