ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar vowing to resist individuals propagating against polio vaccination resolved to achieve dream of polio-free Pakistan by carrying forward journey with unshakeable commitment.

"I can assure that we gonna have it. We will realise this dream. We will never step back, may be an inch, may be foot or may be mile. This will always be forth-going journey," he said addressing ceremony to mark World Polio Day.

Event was organised by Pakistan Polio Programme to pay homage to resilience and dedication of frontline workers on World Polio Day, which is commemorated on October 24 every year.

Health Minister Dr Nadeem Jan, Health Secretary Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, representatives of polio partners Rotary, World Health Organisation and United Nations Children's Fund and frontline workers and their families were in attendance.

Caretaker PM said by opposing polio vaccine, anti-vaxxers, intentionally or unintentionally were partnering with forces of darkness. He emphasised role of faith leaders and society to make such people realise that they were actually partnering with destroyer of humans. "This is unacceptable. We will resist this," he resolved.

He expressed his gratitude to global partners who continued to supporting Pakistan in its endeavour of polio eradication. Recognising sacrifices of polio workers and security personnel guarding them, he said they had paid highest price for cause.

He said frontline health workers were heroes of Pakistan, who were working in challenging environments, facing social barriers and even threats to their safety without ever losing their dedication.

He recognised services of three police constables who were martyred while on polio duty and to two vaccinators who were injured.

He presented appreciation shields to former coordinator of Sindh Emergency Operation Cell Fayyaz Abbasi and family of Huma Ashraf, who was severely injured in train accident while on polio duty in September.

Caretaker PM also announced to personally visit Huma as gesture to recognise her services in mission of polio-free Pakistan. "Today is day to remember how far we have come and how crucial polio eradication efforts remain. Pakistan cannot be reason to hold world back. We must move forward to 2024 with realisation that weight of global eradication lies on our shoulders. We must leave no room for virus to spread and reach every child with vaccine before virus has chance to permanently change their lives," he remarked.

Nadeem Jan paid homage to polio workers who were striving to accomplish mission of polio-free Pakistan while facing many odds and hardships. He emphasised that community health workers should be acknowledged and honoured as motivation would enhance their performance. He called for changing narrative from 'Pak Fights Polio' to 'Pakistan Winning Over Polio'.

Iftikhar Shallwani said campaign was started in 1994 and continued across Pakistan with dedication to date with support from aid agencies.

WHO Representative in Pakistan Palitha Mahipala said Day was observed to commemorate global journey. He said polio eradication was one of major commitments made by WHO which provided technical support to Pakistan.

UNICEF Chief Polio Officer Melissa Corkum said credit for successes went to health workers who despite challenges went door to door in every campaign.

She said Day was not only to commemorate successes but also to remember those who sacrificed their lives during struggle.

Rotary's District Governor Masrur J. Scheik highlighted his organisation's support for polio eradication through funds, volunteering during campaigns, social mobilisation of workers and installing solar water filtration plants.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 25 2023

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