- Vows we will never step back, may be an inch, may be a foot or may be a mile
- Declares anti-vaxxers, intentionally or unintentionally, partnering with forces of darkness
ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Tuesday said that the dream of polio-free Pakistan to be achieved at every cost and individuals propagating against polio vaccination would be dealt with sternly.
Addressing a ceremony organized in connection with the World Polio Day here, the prime minister said, “I can assure that we gonna have it. We will realise this dream. We will never step back, may be an inch, may be a foot or may be a mile. This will always be a forth-going journey.”
Today, on #WorldPolioDay, we stand united in our commitment to #EndPolio. In a special ceremony at the @PakPMO, Islamabad, we honor the tireless efforts of healthcare workers, volunteers, and partners in the fight against polio. Together, we can make history. pic.twitter.com/3sCLsESXco
— Ministry of National Health Services, Pakistan (@nhsrcofficial) October 24, 2023
The event was organized by the Pakistan Polio Programme to pay homage to the resilience and dedication of frontline workers on World Polio Day which is commemorated on October 24 every year.
A salute from the core of my heart to the dedicated polio workers who risked everything in the fight to eradicate polio. Presenting commemorative shields and cheques to the families of the martyred and injured polio workers as a token of our deep appreciation for their… pic.twitter.com/ueqcp43BdL
— Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) October 24, 2023
Caretaker Federal Health Minister Dr Nadeem Jan, Federal Health Secretary Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, representatives of polio partners Rotary, WHO and UNICEF, and frontline workers and their families attended the ceremony.
Premier Anwaarul Haq Kakar said by opposing the polio vaccine, the anti-vaxxers, intentionally or unintentionally, were partnering with the forces of darkness. He emphasized the role of faith leaders and the society to make such people realise that they were actually partnering with the destroyer of the humans. This is unacceptable. We will resist this,” he resolved.
He expressed his gratitude to the global partners who continued to supporting Pakistan in its endeavor of polio eradication.
Recognizing the sacrifices of the polio workers and the security personnel guarding them, the prime minister said they had paid the highest price for the cause. He said the frontline health workers were the heroes of Pakistan, who were working in challenging environments, facing social barriers and even threats to their safety without ever losing their dedication.
On #WorldPolioDay, a significant moment as Prime Minister Mr @anwaar_kakar attended the ceremony held at the PM Secretariat @PakPMO
His presence emphasise the commitment of Pakistan's leadership to #EndPolio @nhsrcofficial @GovtofPakistan
Together, we strive for a polio-free🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/x2Gutw9FBp— Pak Fights Polio (@PakFightsPolio) October 24, 2023
PM Kakar also recognized the services of three police constables who were martyred while on polio duty and to two vaccinators who were injured. He also presented appreciation shields to the former coordinator of the Sindh EOC, Fayyaz Abbasi and the family of Huma Ashraf, who was severely injured in a train accident while on polio duty in September. The prime minister also announced to personally visit Huma as a gesture to recognise her services in the mission of polio-free Pakistan.
“Today is a day to remember how far we have come and how crucial polio eradication efforts remain. Pakistan cannot be the reason to hold the world back. We must move forward to 2024 with the realization that the weight of global eradication lies on our shoulders. We must leave no room for the virus to spread and reach every child with the vaccine before the virus has a chance to permanently change their lives,” he remarked.
Caretaker Health Minister Nadeem Jan, in his address, paid homage to the polio workers who were striving to accomplish the mission of polio-free Pakistan while facing many odds and hardships. He emphasised that the community health workers should be acknowledged and honored as motivation would be enhanced their performance. He called for changing the narrative from “Pak Fights Polio” to “Pakistan Winning Over Polio.” He expressed the hope that the World Polio Day next year would mark the complete eradiation of polio from Pakistan.
Federal Health Secretary Iftikhar Shallwani said the campaign was started in 1994 and continued across Pakistan with dedication to date with support from the aid agencies. Besides the polio drive, other related subjects including maternal and neonatal healthcare were also worked on, he added.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar addressed a ceremony organised to commemorate World Polio Day. pic.twitter.com/wBDgY0HPQz
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 24, 2023
WHO Representative in Pakistan Palitha Mahipala said the Day was observed to commemorate the global journey. He said the Polio eradication was one of the major commitments made by the WHO which provided technical support to Pakistan. He said the day was not far when Pakistan would get rid of the crippling disease within next few years as the number of paralysis had sharply declined.
نگران وزیراعظم انوار الحق کاکڑ کا انسداد پولیو کے عالمی دن کے موقع پر تقریب سے خطاب۔
پاکستان نے پولیو کے خاتمہ کیلئے بھرپور اقدامات کئے ہیں۔ 2022ء میں پولیو سے متاثرہ بچوں کی تعداد 22 تھی جو اب کم ہو کر صرف 4 رہ گئی ہے۔
~ نگران وزیراعظم انوار الحق کاکڑ pic.twitter.com/3id04P1OYc
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) October 24, 2023
Unicef Chief Polio Officer Melissa Corkum said the credit for the successes went to the health workers who despite challenges went door to door in every campaign. She said the Day was not only to commemorate the successes but also to remember those who sacrificed their lives during the struggle.
Rotary’s District Governor Mr Masrur J. Scheik highlighted his organization’s support for polio eradication through funds, volunteering during campaigns, social mobilization of workers and, installing solar water filtration plants.
