ISLAMABAD: World Polio Day is being celebrated in Pakistan today (Tuesday) to create awareness about the hazards of the crippling disease.
The day is also observed to pay tribute to the US researcher Dr Jonaas Salk for inventing polio vaccine. Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease. There is no cure, but there are safe and effective vaccines. Polio can be prevented through immunization. Polio vaccine, given multiple times, almost always protects a child for life.
Several activities would be conducted today by various organizations and health institutions to mark the day, including awareness walks, seminars, symposium and group discussions, to ensure that no child will ever again know the crippling effects of polio.
In 1988 Albert Sabin developed an oral polio vaccine which has reduced worldwide polio incidence by 99 per cent.
According to a polio eradication programme official, the authorities concerned of provincial governments had been asked to ensure 100 per cent coverage during every polio immunization drive.
Video goes viral on social media, drawing anger from netizens and demand for harsh penalties
Political Financing Wing of ECP has asked PTI representatives to appear before electoral watchdog on April 30
Epicentre of the earthquake was New Malir Karachi
IT ministry notifies tech expert's appointment as convener of Digital Pakistan committee headed by state minister
Pakistani, Irani leaders highlight need to resolve Kashmir issue via peaceful means based on will of people
Petitioners raise objections on top court's six-member bench hearing military court's case