World Polio Day
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa organized a special event at the KP Assembly’s Jirga Hall to mark World Polio Day, celebrating the relentless efforts of frontline health workers battling against polio. The event paid tribute to the workers’ dedication in delivering life-saving vaccines, often under challenging conditions such as difficult terrain, harsh weather, and security risks.
The ceremony was attended by key figures including former Provincial Health Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah, Commissioner Peshawar Riaz Mehsud, and a large number of frontline health workers, international partners, and officials from UNICEF, WHO, and Rotary International. Speakers highlighted the immense sacrifices made by health workers and emphasized the importance of continued collective efforts to eradicate polio from the province.
Syed Qasim Ali Shah praised the role of the media, medical professionals, and civil society in the fight against polio, while Riaz Mehsud assured that the provincial government, along with health departments and law enforcement, remains committed to the cause. Shafiullah Khan, EOC Coordinator, detailed significant improvements in vaccination coverage and surveillance, though he stressed the need for continued vigilance due to ongoing challenges.
A special address by Maulana Tayyab Qureshi, the Chief Khatib of KP, reinforced the Islamic support for polio vaccination, urging the public to embrace the drops for the welfare of children. The event concluded with certificates being awarded to frontline health workers in recognition of their dedicated service.
