Honoring Pakistan’s Female Polio Workers: The Backbone of Eradication Efforts

The Pakistan Polio Eradication Program paid tribute to female polio workers in a special ceremony held in Islamabad on Friday, recognizing their unwavering commitment to protecting children from polio. The event, held ahead of International Women’s Day (March 8), highlighted the essential role these frontline workers play in high-risk areas across the country.

Women Leading the Fight Against Polio

Female health workers form the backbone of Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts, constituting 58.4% of the workforce. Their role in conducting door-to-door vaccination drives is crucial, ensuring that no child is left vulnerable to the virus. These workers operate in challenging environments, often facing resistance from communities, harsh weather, and security concerns.

At the event, Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting female polio workers and ensuring their safety.

“Today, as we commemorate International Women’s Day, I want to reaffirm our collective commitment to ensuring a safe, dignified, and enabling environment for every female frontline worker,” she said.

She also emphasized that the Pakistan Polio Programme has implemented an anti-harassment policy, ensuring a secure and professional working environment for women.

Recognizing Their Dedication

The event was attended by national and provincial coordinators, senior officials, and health leaders. Video messages from female polio workers shared inspiring stories about their experiences, challenges, and the sense of pride they feel in protecting Pakistan’s future generations.

Many workers spoke about convincing hesitant families to vaccinate their children—one of the biggest challenges in the eradication campaign. Despite cultural and societal hurdles, these workers remain committed to their mission of creating a polio-free Pakistan.

A Tribute to Frontline Heroes

Anwarul Haq, head of the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), called female polio workers the “backbone” of Pakistan’s fight against polio.

“These women work tirelessly, often in difficult and high-risk areas, to ensure every child receives the life-saving polio vaccine,” Haq said.

He further stressed the importance of empowering women in public health roles, acknowledging their strength, resilience, and courage.

“Empowering them is not just about recognizing their contributions: it is about strengthening our communities and ensuring a healthier, polio-free Pakistan,” he added.

Haq also highlighted the importance of gender sensitivity in public health, noting that supporting women in frontline health roles leads to a more inclusive and resilient society.

Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Progress

Pakistan recently concluded its first nationwide polio campaign of 2025, with six polio cases reported so far this year. Additional vaccination rounds are scheduled for April and May, as the country continues its efforts to eliminate the disease.

While challenges remain, the dedication and resilience of Pakistan’s female polio workers offer hope for a polio-free future. Their commitment ensures that every child, even in the most difficult regions, receives protection against this preventable disease.