Every Last Child

Every Last Child is an influential documentary directed by Tom Roberts that was released in 2014. Profound, disturbing, and touching – the film provides an insightful exposé of the numerous hurdles faced in eradication of polio, particularly in Pakistan, one of the last three countries where the disease remained endemic.

The documentary draws viewers in with its unflinching portrayal of reality, offering an intimate perspective of the whole polio eradication campaign. The storyline does not merely focus on statistics or general information about the polio virus and its global impact. Instead, it provides a microcosmic view of the situation by presenting real-life narratives, following five individuals who are both directly and indirectly affected by the spread of polio.

The central characters include a frontline female health worker, a vaccinator who must navigate dangerous conflicts and societal stigmas while administering vaccines door-to-door; a doctor on a mission to rid his country of this debilitating disease; a World Health Organization official carrying out vaccination efforts amid great health risk; a father who refuses to vaccinate his children under the influence of conspiracy theories; and a polio-stricken young man crippled by the disease.

Every Last Child uncovers the grim irony in global health campaigns, where efforts to eradicate a disease could potentially expose healthcare workers and their patients to other hazards. The director masterfully conveys the complexity of polio eradication in Pakistan, highlighting the political instability, mistrust between communities and campaigners, lack of infrastructure, and harassment from militant groups among other challenges.

One particularly noteworthy aspect of this film is the way it brings to life the actual threat posed by polio to unvaccinated children. The world often tends to minimize the importance of preventive measures like vaccines until the need for them becomes more evident. Through the main characters, the audience is offered a stark look at the harsh reality faced by families affected by the disease, and the immense difficulties confronted by health workers who risk their lives in the vaccination process.

Moreover, Every Last Child does not shy away from showcasing the misinformation and distrust faced by health workers, often fueled by disinformation campaigns labeling the act of vaccination as a western conspiracy to harm children. This part of the narrative truly underscores the difficulties of implementing global health initiatives in politically and culturally complex regions.

Visual storytelling is a key feature of this documentary. Imagery is a solid tool employed here to create a palpable sense of the struggles and achievements of the five central characters. Dramatic shots of crowded streets in Karachi, and intimate moments inside the homes of Pakistani citizens —all contribute to effectively portraying the intensity of the situation and the urgency of the cause.

The documentary effectively holds back from passing judgment on those who refuse to vaccinate their children. With subtle sensitivity, it instead highlights the cultural fears and political mistrust that fuel such decisions, which creates space for empathy from the audience.

Every Last Child provides a rare, in-depth look into this international health crisis from an underrepresented perspective. The film takes on the task of bringing these stories to light with poignancy and respect, avoiding the trap of sensationalism, and offering a nuanced view of a complex issue. The narrative is further complemented by an atmospheric score that underscores the grim reality and the bittersweet victories of the polio eradication efforts in Pakistan.

In addition to its emotional impact, the documentary falls into the realm of activism, spotlighting the challenges of polio eradication and hopefully motivating audiences worldwide to support efforts to eliminate this disease. Every Last Child ultimately serves as both a profound portrayal of the human experience during a health crisis, and an urgent plea for global cooperation to end polio once and for all.

This thought-provoking documentary of 2014 delivers a unique and heartrending portrayal of a preventable tragedy, remaining relevant and significant in its message even years after its release.