Pakistan Honors Female Polio Workers for Key Role in Eradication Drive

Pakistan’s top polio official has lauded the extraordinary contribution of female vaccination workers, emphasizing their central role in the country’s fight to eradicate polio. Speaking in Islamabad, Ayesha Raza Farooq, the prime minister’s focal person on polio eradication, highlighted the courage and dedication of these frontline workers, who deliver the majority of polio drops in Pakistan. Their door-to-door efforts in remote, high-risk, and conservative communities are critical, as women are often best positioned to access children in these areas.

Pakistan, along with neighboring Afghanistan, remains one of the only countries where wild poliovirus is still endemic. So far in 2025, the country has reported 30 cases of polio. Farooq described the commitment of female vaccinators as “extraordinary,” stating that their bravery under challenging conditions—including difficult terrain, security concerns, and occasional community resistance—was the key reason Pakistan is on the verge of becoming polio-free.

During her meeting with frontline workers, Farooq listened to their concerns and assured them of full government support. She stressed that female polio workers represent the true strength of the eradication program, recognizing their vital role in reaching children in areas where male health workers may face cultural or logistical barriers.

In recognition of her efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment within public health, Farooq was recently named Pakistan’s first gender champion by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Her leadership has helped elevate the status and safety of women working in the field, while highlighting the broader connection between gender equality and successful health interventions.

Pakistan is preparing to launch the last nationwide anti-polio vaccination drive of 2025, organized by the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), targeting 45 million children. Health authorities have urged parents to coordinate with vaccination teams to ensure full coverage and support the ongoing eradication efforts.

The country’s focus on empowering female health workers has not only strengthened polio eradication but also underscored the broader importance of women’s participation in public service. Their commitment continues to inspire efforts to improve health, safety, and equality across Pakistan, marking a significant milestone during the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual campaign promoting women’s rights and safety.