KHAR: Seminars and walks were organised in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday to observe World Polio Day wherein the participants pledged to make efforts for eradication of the crippling disease.

In Bajaur, a seminar was held at district headquarters hospital Khar by the district administration and local health department. People from all walks of life and officials of administration and health department attended the event.

The speakers said that polio was a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease that had no cure except safe and effective vaccines. They added that immunisation was the lone and effective way to prevent polio disease.

Participants vow to make efforts for eradication of the crippling disease

Later, a walk was also held to raise awareness among people about the anti-polio vaccination. A walk was also held by the students and teachers of Governor Model School and College Khar to observe the day.

In Kohat, a function was held at deputy commissioner office that was attended by police officers and district health officer Dr Musharraf. The officials of Hangu and Kohat cut cakes on the occasions.

A seminar was also held on the day that was addressed by Hangu Deputy Commissioner Tayyab Abdullah. He urged religious scholars and members of civil society to couter propaganda against vaccination.

In Lakki Marwat, a walk was organised to mark the day. The walk was led by Deputy Commissioner Jehangir Azam Wazir.

The participants of the walk were carrying banners inscribed with slogans to highlight importance of oral polio vaccine.

In Mohmand, World Polio Day was also observed in district headquarters Ghalanai.

Speaking on the occasion, ADC Syed Saiful Islam urged tribesmen and religious scholars to make collective efforts to eradicate polio from the area. He said that not a single case of police was reported during the last eight years in the tribal district.

In Swabi, World Polio Day was observed by officials and staff of health department.

They health department staffers gathered in district headquarters and marched to Karnal Sher Khan Chowk while holding banners inscribed with different slogans about controlling of the deadly diseases. They were addressed by the health officials, who said that the march was aimed at creating awareness among people about polio and preparing ground for participation of people to play their role in its eradication.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2019