ISLAMABAD: Like other parts of the globe, the World Polio Day will be celebrated in Pakistan on Tuesday (October 24) to raise awareness about the hazards of the crippling disease. The purpose behind observing the World Polio Day is to raise awareness among the people about the disease. The day is also observed to pay tribute to the US researcher Dr Jonaas Salk for inventing polio vaccine. Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal infectious disease. There is no cure, but there are safe and effective vaccines. Polio can be prevented through immunization. Polio vaccine, given multiple times, almost always protects a child for life. Several activities have been planned by various organisations and health institutions to mark the day, including awareness walks, seminars, symposiums and group discussions to ensure that no child will ever again know the crippling effects of polio. Published in Daily Times, October 21st 2017.