KARACHI: The Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA) vehemently condemns the recent attacks on polio teams during the first Polio campaign of 2024, resulting in the deaths of five police officers last week and the targeted killing of Polio coordinator Dr Abdul Rehman.
Prof Syed Jamal Raza, the PPA president, and Dr Mohammad Khalid Shafi, the secretary-general, expressed deep concern over these attacks.
They said that despite Pakistan being on the brink of eradicating polio, disruptive forces are hindering the progress of this campaign. The Pakistan polio programme has been efficiently conducting polio rounds, with dedicated workers reaching every child in the country to administer the polio vaccine.
They said the PPA stands firmly in support of the polio eradication and Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) vaccination initiatives. The association pays tribute to Dr Abdul Rehman and the five police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of the safety and well-being of our children.
In the face of these tragic events, the PPA urges the Polio program and its workers to persevere with unwavering determination. Simultaneously, they call upon the Pakistani state to ensure comprehensive security measures for the protection of those involved in this crucial campaign.
Undeterred by the challenges posed by anti-state and inhumane elements, the PPA reiterated its commitment to child health.
The association says it believes that these obstacles should not impede their collective efforts to make Pakistan a secure and nurturing environment for the children.
The PPA calls for continued collaboration between the health sector and law enforcement agencies to create a safer space for those working towards the noble cause of polio eradication.