Haryana looks to clerics to dispel 'impotency' myth after immunization drive

A routine immunization drive in Muslim dominated areas in Haryana has landed the government in a piquant situation. The immunization drive has hit a roadblock with myths doing the round that the vaccination would cause impotency.

Desperate to accomplish its health mission, the authorities are now looking towards Muslim clerics, propagators of faith and community leaders for a remedy.

The situation turned complex when majority of families in Muslim dominated region of Mewat and Hathin in Palwal refused to administer immunization shots to their children. Muslim families did this gripped with the myth that immunization shots would eventually lead to impotency.

This after an uncorroborated content went of such side effects went viral on social media. The content originated from southhern states of Kerela and Tamil Nadu. A health drive that would have ideally got the department accolades is being met with frown and stiff resistance.

By the time the heath authorities intervened to square the circle, the floating myth already did the damage. Nearly 85% of households in these regions are pending immunization. The immunization if not done on time could lead to heath abnormalities, authorities warned.

The government decided to seek the help of Muslim clerics, community leaders and members of the Waqf Board. A meeting with them was held yesterday. The authorities want Muslim clerics to advice, and counsel Muslim families not to fall prey to such myths. The task may begin soon. Muslim clerics and community leaders sounded optimistic to achieve a breakthrough once the dialogue commences.

The government hopes its health teams will once again be able to set out in these areas without resistance. Indicators suggest that Muslim dominated Mewat region is socially and educationally backward than the rest of the areas in Jatland.

The government pays special attention in these areas. Being an educationally backward area, officials say, people here appear more gullible to myths than believe in science and its practices.