PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Engineer Shaukatullah Khan has said that increase in polio cases in various parts of FATA is a matter of great concern; however, this challenge will be tackled effectively with the strong resolve of the Government officials as well as international organizations.
Speaking at a function regarding “World Polio Day” as chief guest at Governor’s House, the Governor said that 37 cases have been reported in FATA in year 2013 which is 75% of the total cases in Pakistan. He added that if this situation was not handled on war footings, there could be a ban on the Pakistani national to perfume the holy rituals of Hajj/Umra as well as a large number of workforce that earn livelihoods for their families in different countries of the world not be allowed entry. He said that the worst hit areas are North Waziristan, South Waziristan and some parts of Khyber Agency where the polio workers face resistance to give polio drops to the children. He further added that today we are gathered to give awareness to the parents about the importance of the polio drops upto their 5 years old children. He further added that we have to decide to have a disable future for your children or to save them become a burden on the whole nation.
Dr. Aftab Akbar Durrani, Secretary Social Sector FATA said that due to consistent efforts, polio has been eradicated from the world whereas it is on the rise in only three countries Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria. He said that there is a dire need to create awareness in society about this devastating disease to ensure that every child in the age of 5 years get polio drops. Dr. Sarfaraz Afridi, head WHO FATA gave a detailed presentation on the current situation of polio spread in tribal areas of Pakistan and said that polio is a devastating viral diseases causing permanent disability. On this occasion he assured the participants that regular monitoring of the health workers in various parts of FATA will be conducted and anyone with lethargic attitude towards polio eradication would be taken sternly. He thanked the Unicef, WHO and other organizations for supporting the government in the drive against polio.
Engineer Shaukatullah Khan also praised the work of the polio teams who endanger their lives for the cause of polio eradication from FATA. He stressed the young people to take a lead role in polio eradication campaign and help protect the tribal children from a permanent disability.
On this occasion the rep of Rotary International presented a book on polio awareness having different messages in audio format. Besides representative of the UNICEF, WHO, FATA based CSOs, polio workers; the function was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary FATA, Secretary Health Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sector Social Sector FATA and other high ups.
