Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only countries where polio is
endemic, and Pakistan reports the most cases in the world. Although the rate is
lower than in previous years, the situation remains alarming. We conducted a
mixed methods study in high-risk areas of Pakistan to identify knowledge, attitudes,
and practices of target populations about polio vaccine and its eradication, and
to estimate coverage of routine immunization and oral polio vaccine. We surveyed
10,685 households in Karachi, 2522 in Pishin, and 2005 in Bajaur. Some knowledge
of polio is universal, but important misconceptions persist. The findings of this
study carry strategic importance for program direction and implementation.