ISLAMABAD: The polio vaccination programme has approached a student afflicted with the disease, to raise awareness and encourage other people affected by polio.

Malik Faisal, who studies at a school in a village near Haripur, topped his recent Abbottabad Board matriculation examinations. The initiative was taken after a team from the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) on Polio met him. Mr Faisal cannot walk without walking sticks, due to paralysis.

NEOC head Dr Rana Mohammad Safdar told Dawn that as soon as the polio vaccination programme learnt of Mr Malik, they decided to send a delegation to meet with and encourage him.

“A number of parents believe that their children have become ineffective, once children are affected by polio. However, the fact is every person can play a role in the development of the country and family. Only determination is required to prosper in the future,” he said.

“Children affected by polio should not lose hope, and their parents should provide them with opportunities equal to other children.”

“We have decided to keep an eye on the child, and we will continue encouraging him and helping him in his studies. He will also be used to raise awareness among people that a very competent child can also be affected by polio, so every child should be vaccinated,” he said.

“In the future, Faisal can become a polio ambassador, by getting a prominent and attractive position such as a judge or bureaucrat,” he added.

Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2016