BAJAUR: World Polio Day was observed here the other day with a pledge to enhance anti-polio efforts, while appreciation certificates were awarded to officials and polio workers for their exceptional performance.

A function was arranged by the district administration at the deputy commissioner’s office which was attended by senior officials of the district administration and health department.

Police officials and polio workers taking part in the anti-polio campaign as frontline workers also participated in the event presided over by Deputy Commissioner Adnan Farid Afridi, said a statement.

Speaking on the occasion, participants highlighted that World Polio Day was observed annually on Oct 24 to raise awareness about poliomyelitis and recognise global efforts to eradicate the disease.

They were informed that Pakistan was among the two countries in the world where the wild poliovirus still remained endemic.

However, the participants expressed the hope that Pakistan would soon be free of the disease as efforts had been enhanced over the past several years.

They noted that Bajaur was among the districts where no polio case had been reported over the past several years as a result of joint efforts.

Describing joint efforts as the best way to eradicate the disease once and for all, the participants pledged to further strengthen the joint strategy to make the district completely free of the virus.

The statement issued from the deputy commissioner’s office stated that the participants also lauded the efforts of officials of the district administration, health department, police personnel and polio workers performing duties as frontline workers.

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2026