Pakistan is one of 3 countries where transmission of indigenous wild poliovirus (WPV) has never been interrupted. Numbers of confirmed polio cases have declined by >90% from preeradication levels, although outbreaks occurred during 2008–2013. During 2012 and 2013, 58 and 93 WPV cases, respectively, were reported, almost all of which were due to WPV type 1. Of the 151 WPV cases reported during 2012–2013, 123 (81%) occurred in the conflict-affected Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and in security-compromised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. WPV type 3 was isolated from only 3 persons with polio in a single district in 2012. During August 2012–December 2013, 62 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 cases were detected, including 40 cases (65%) identified in the FATA during 2013. Approximately 350 000 children in certain districts of the FATA have not received polio vaccine during supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) conducted since mid-2012, because local authorities have banned polio vaccination. In other areas of Pakistan, SIAs have been compromised by attacks targeting polio workers, which started in mid-2012. Further efforts to reach children in conflict-affected and security-compromised areas will be necessary to prevent reintroduction of WPV into other areas of Pakistan and other parts of the world.

Pakistan conducted national immunization days (NIDs) for the first time in 1994. To estimate coverage, to evaluate risk factors for failure to be immunized, and to determine the effectiveness of mass media, parents of 1288 children in 714 households in four districts were surveyed after the first NID round. In each district, a high proportion of children (93%-96%) received oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) during the NID. In three districts, unimmunized or partially immunized children were less likely to receive NID OPV than were fully immunized children (Kohistan, P < .001; Quetta, P < .001; and Sibi, P = .05). Although a high proportion of children in each age cohort received NID OPV, in three districts children 0-11 months of age were less likely to receive NID OPV than were older children. Television and radio reached a high proportion of survey households, but other mass media were less effectively utilized. Risk factor and media effectiveness surveys provide important information that is useful for planning future NIDs.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the empowerment of rural women in the context of sustainable tourism development, identify the factors that influence their empowerment, examine the impact of women's empowerment on sustainable tourism development, and explore innovative approaches to empower rural women.   Theoretical Framework: This study combines four factors that influence women's empowerment, namely women's entrepreneurship, education, social capital, and human capital, to form a theoretical framework based on empowerment theory, and uses the empowerment of women as a mediator to explore the elements that impact the sustainable growth of rural tourism.   Design/Methodology/Approach: A mixed research method was employed, starting with qualitative research, where 11 relevant interviews were conducted to gain a preliminary understanding of the factors affecting women's empowerment and the sustainability of rural tourism. Subsequently, a 68-item survey questionnaire was used in the quantitative research stage. A total of 340 responses were collected. The reliability of the questionnaire was tested using Cronbach's alpha, and validation factor analysis was used to assess its validity. Structural analysis and equation modeling (SEM) techniques were used to test the hypotheses of the study.   Findings: The study shows that women's entrepreneurship, education, human and social capital have a positive impact on women's empowerment and sustainable growth of rural tourism. Women's empowerment mediates the relationship between these factors and sustainable development of rural tourism, which also positively impacts sustainable community, economic, environmental, and cultural development. Therefore, promoting women's empowerment and enhancing their access to education and resources are essential for achieving sustainable growth of rural tourism and community development.   Research, Practical & Social implications: This study proposes a new theoretical framework that includes female entrepreneurship, education, social capital, and human capital to fill the gap in knowledge. The development of women in rural tourism is also crucial for society's progress towards civilization, and policies and incentives should be implemented to encourage their participation and ensure their effective involvement. This will contribute to the growth and sustainable development of China's rural tourism industry.   Originality/value: This research provides valuable insights into the role of women's empowerment, education, human capital, and social capital in driving sustainable rural tourism development.Furthermore, this research has a significant impact on how Chinese farmers participate in rural tourism in the future, providing insights into rural revitalization efforts. This study underscores the importance of innovative research in driving perspectives on rural tourism and empowering women, which are essential elements for the sustainable development of rural communities.