Staff Reporter
Peshawar: The Provincial Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in collaboration with UNICEF, has launched an initiative to engage students as Immunization Ambassadors in efforts to eradicate polio. The project aims to empower youth to play an active role in promoting public health and dispelling misconceptions about vaccines.
The first event of the series was held at Government Higher Secondary School No. 4, Kakshal, Peshawar City. The most captivating highlight of the ceremony was the Pashto theatre drama “Karwan Da Umeedono”, written and directed by renowned playwright Noor-ul-Bashar Naveed. The role of a polio-affected child was performed with remarkable realism by Hassan Munir, earning overwhelming appreciation from students, teachers, and guests.
The drama left the audience visibly moved and effectively underscored the importance of polio vaccination. Its central message stressed that students, as Immunization Ambassadors, should spread awareness within their homes and communities about the dangers of polio and the importance of vaccination.
The ceremony was attended by Additional Secretary Health/Coordinator EOC Shafiullah Khan, Technical Focal Person PEI Dr. Ali Haider, Provincial Polio Eradication Officer WHO Dr. Sardar Alam, UNICEF Social and Behavior Change Specialist Diana Maria Pirga, UNICEF Communication Officer Shadab Younus, the school principal, teachers, and a large number of students.
Addressing the event, Shafiullah Khan said that students are powerful messengers within society and can play a pivotal role in eliminating misconceptions surrounding polio. He added that youth engagement is essential for building long-term community trust.
UNICEF’s Shadab Younus shared that students will be included as members of the Immunization Club, and those showing outstanding performance will receive certificates from the Provincial EOC. She noted that vaccine hesitancy and misinformation remain major obstacles to ending polio in Pakistan, challenges that can be overcome with the support of young people.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, students pledged to play their role in the fight against polio, while the EOC and school administration thanked all participants.
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