PESHAWAR: Provincial Secretary Health, Dr Farooq Jamil here Wednesday said polio was a crippling disease and stressed the need of joint efforts for complete eradication of polio virus from the province.

Addressing an awareness walk arranged by Khyber Medical University (KMU) and Health Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Secretary Health said eradication of polio virus was a big challenge and the dream of polio free Pakistan would only be materialized when all children under five years of age get vaccinated.

He said April 22 incident associated with polio vaccine regarding unconsciousness of children at Masokhel was based on total misconception and propaganda. He said polio vaccine was safe in all respect.

Dr Jamil said pro-active role of media, politicians and LG representatives besides religious scholars were important in creation of awareness among masses against polio disease, saying “together we can defeat polio.”

KMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr Javed said his organization was standby with national and provincial organizations in the efforts for eradication of polio. Students, academicians and faculty members in large number attended the seminar.

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