News
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Murder of anti-polio worker shocks WHO, UNICEFStaff Report
KARACHI: The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have expressed deep sorrow and concern over the murder of a polio eradication team member, Muhammad Ishaq, in Gadap Town, Karachi. A release issued by the WHO on Saturday stated that polio immunisation activities were suspended in Karachi for a week owing to a shooting incident.
“Until activities were suspended, Ishaq had worked with the national polio eradication effort as a Union Council polio worker for several months, helping to plan and implement vaccination campaigns to protect the most underserved and vulnerable children against this debilitating disease.”
The release further added that Ishaq was one of the thousands of people across Pakistan who worked selflessly in the battle to eradicate polio. Because of the dedication of everyday heroes like Ishaq, Pakistan is this year closer than ever to the eradication of polio.
He was known for his dedication and diligence to immunise all children against polio. WHO, UNICEF and all of the polio partners in Pakistan and globally express their deepest sympathy to his family for this tragic loss.
The partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative remain committed to supporting the Government of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan in their efforts to eradicate this devastating disease. It is pertinent to mention here that currently the disease remains endemic in only three countries i.e. Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk