F.P. Report
PESHAWAR: Like other parts of the country, World Polio Day (WPD) was observed in all districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including provincial metropolis with renewed commitment and call for rigorous efforts at all levels to eradicate poliovirus from the remaining pockets of the country.
The resolve for polio eradication was made in a ceremony titled “Recognition of services of frontline workers” held here Tuesday at Nishtar Hall Peshawar in connection with World Polio Day.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Haji Ghulam Ali was the chief guest on this occasion.
Special Secretary Health for Polio Eradication, Abdul Basit, Commissioner Peshawar, Muhammad Zubair, DG Health KP, Dr Shaukat Ali, Deputy Commissioner Peshawar, Afaq Wazir, Provincial Director EPI, Dr Arif, Provincial Heads of UNICEF, WHO, N -Stop, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Muhammad Imran Khan, representatives of health department as well as large number frontline health workers were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Haji Ghulam Ali said that World Polio Day provides an opportunity to highlight global efforts toward a polio-free world and honor the sacrifices and tireless contributions of those on the frontlines in the fight to eradicate polio from every corner of the last endemic countries.
Governor KP said that today on world polio day we renew our commitment and resolve for the disease eradication from this region by initiating reinvigorated efforts at all levels to give a final push to the virus and wipe out the menace for good.
He paid rich tributes to the frontline health workers, termed the as the frontline soldiers in the fight against polio virus and highly appreciated the untiring efforts and sacrifices of the polio workers.
He further said that the federal and provincial government are making all possible efforts for the eradication of this crippling disease to secure the future of our children.
He appreciated the support of all segments of society including the law enforcement agencies, religious scholars, media and the civil society and hoped that the day is not far when we will be able to eradicate polio virus from the region.
On this occasion, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa handed over financial assistance to the heirs of the martyred polio workers in recognition of their services.
Addressing the event, Commissioner Peshawar Muhammad Zubair said that we are fully committed to eradicate polio virus from the region and in this regard we are implementing innovative strategies to interrupt the virus. Referring to the positive environmental samples in Peshawar, he said that since the virus is detected in Peshawar is linked with Afghanistan, therefore the government is undertaking special initiatives such as all-age vaccination on Pak-Afghan border and mop up activities to vaccinate cross-border travelers.
Earlier, Special Secretary Health for Polio Eradication Abdul Basit welcomed Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other distinguished and paid glorious tributes to the frontline workers saying that health workers are doing a wonderful job by vaccinating our children, braving all odds and challenges in the field.
He said that all those on the frontlines of this battle against polio deserves commendation and recognition of services and it is in view of that we have organized this event today and gathered here to pay tributes to the polio martyrs who laid down their lives for the noble cause.
Abdul Basit maintained that challenges are there as is indicated by positive environmental samples in the province, however, he added that soon with the support of our frontline workers these hurdles will be overcome, and the transmission of virus will be stopped.
Later, certificates were distributed among the outstanding workers by the Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along with other distinguished participants.
It is pertinent to mention here that World Polio Day was established by Rotary International over a decade ago to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis.
