Govt urged to reconsider downsizing of polio workers

BARA: President of Pakistan Awami Inqilabi League (PAIL) Malik Attaullah Khan Afridi has called on the government to reverse its decision to downsize the anti-polio workforce, particularly in Khyber district.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Attaullah Afridi praised the dedication of polio workers in Khyber district.

Expressing concern, he said that prioritising the health of the region and its residents was crucial, adding that health workers were not afraid of facing challenges for the well-being of the community.

“Reducing the number of polio workers may lead to an increase in polio cases in the area and also render many workers unemployed,” he added. Attaullah Afridi urged the authorities to reconsider the downsizing decision as it could have a negative impact on children’s health and the overall well-being of society.

He pointed out that several polio cases were reported in Khyber district last year. He said that being situated near the Afghanistan border, the district had recorded seven cases in the previous year.