18 January 2004	Sunday	25 Ziqa'ad 1424

RAWALPINDI, Jan 17: After the implementation of the local government system, no polio case has been reported during the last 28 months.

This was stated by District Nazim Raja Tariq Kiani while speaking at an awareness walk organized in connection with the ongoing anti-polio campaign here on Saturday.

The walk started from Rehmanabad Chowk and culminated at Public Park, Shamsabad. Executive District Officer (health) Syed Abid Hussain Shah, District Health officer Dr Shoaib Khan, EDO (Agriculture), schoolchildren, scouts, representatives of social welfare and education departments, and other people participated in the walk arranged by the health department.

The district Nazim said the successful anti-polio campaign carried out in Rawalpindi was referred to even in a discussion in Geneva. "Our performance was lauded in many countries," he said.

"Children are the future of our country. Their protection from deadly diseases is our responsibility and the only way to secure the future of the country," he said.

The Nazim advised people to cooperate with the health department officers in administering polio drops to their children.

It should be ensured that no child remains unreached at the end of the anti-polio campaign ending January 20.

The EDO (health) said complete arrangements had been made to make the campaign a success. After the polio campaign, an anti- hepatitis drive will be held from January 24-30, he added.