RAWALPINDI: A week-long functions kicked off at Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) on Friday to mark the ‘World Polio Day’, which falls on Oct 24, in order to pay tribute to services of the health workers.

The week-long celebrations to mark ‘World Polio Day’ initiated with a ceremony at FJWU. The themes for this year are, ‘Celebrating the untiring efforts and resilience of Polio Heroes’, and ‘Promoting shared responsibility of polio eradication with priority community as key stakeholders in the cause and engaging partners (Public, Private and Community) to reach the final goal: together we can, together we will’.

District Health Authority (DHA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Ijaz Ahmed and FJWU Dean of Faculty of Computer Arts Dr Sarwat was the chief guests on the occasion.

“World Polio Day is observed every year in celebration of the birth of Dr Jonas Salk, the man who led the first team to develop a vaccine against polio. The development of polio vaccine reduced the incidence of polio cases worldwide by 99pc and only Pakistan and Afghanistan remained as polio endemic countries”, he said.

He added,“This day provides the government, global polio eradication community and Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) partners in Pakistan with an opportunity to renew its promises of a polio-free world to future generations.”

Dr Ijaz further acknowledged the fact that “although Punjab is free of polio cases for the last three years, which is an achievement of the province, but as long as polio existed anywhere, it was a threat to children everywhere”, he stressed.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sarwat hailed the efforts of polio workers, saying the front line soldiers deserved accolades for their unwavering commitment.

“But we need to reach the children everywhere, detect and stop outbreaks”, Dr Sarwat said. She also emphasised that increased commitment from all sections of society is necessary to finish the job.

“This effort will bring about the eradication of the second human disease in history, and most importantly, ensure that no parent and child would have to fear the paralysis the virus causes ever again”, she underlined.

During the ceremony 10 best performing polio workers were awarded shields and appreciation certificates.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2023