Women Driving Pakistan’s Polio-Free Future
News Desk
Islamabad: Female frontline workers across Pakistan shared their experiences in the Polio Eradication Programme, highlighting both their sense of fulfillment and the challenges in convincing families to vaccinate their children.
Many expressed pride in administering polio drops, knowing their efforts contribute to a healthier future.
Marking International Women’s Day 2025, the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme organized a dedicated event at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Islamabad to recognize the critical role of female polio workers.
Speaking at the event, National Coordinator NEOC, Anwar ul Haq, paid tribute to their resilience and dedication, acknowledging that over 58.4 percent of polio workers are women, serving communities in some of the most challenging environments.
The event was attended by national and provincial coordinators and senior officials. Female frontline workers from across the country shared their perspectives through video messages. The leadership reaffirmed their commitment to improving the working conditions and protection of women in the field.
Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio, Ayesha Raza Farooq, underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and empowering environment for female frontline workers.
“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.
The Pakistan Polio Programme has developed a comprehensive Anti-Harassment Policy, aligned with the ‘Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act’ of 2010 and its 2022 amendment, to safeguard their well-being and professional growth. Every worker has the right to a respectful workplace, free from harassment,” she stated.
Raza also highlighted the Programme’s measures to support a conducive work environment, including improved Team Support Centers (TSCs), operational safety protocols, and streamlined stipend payments to ensure security and efficiency for female polio workers.
“This year’s theme resonates deeply with us at NEOC as we honor female polio workers who are the backbone of Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts. These women work tirelessly, often in high-risk areas, to ensure every child receives the life-saving polio vaccine.
Their courage and unwavering commitment reflect the incredible strength of Pakistani women. Empowering them is not just about recognizing their contributions—it is about strengthening our communities and ensuring a healthier, polio-free Pakistan,” she added.
Haq emphasized the importance of gender sensitivity in public health, stating that by supporting women in frontline health roles, Pakistan is fostering a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous society.
As Pakistan continues its fight against polio, the Programme remains committed to prioritizing the safety and dignity of female polio workers. The event concluded with a renewed pledge to recognize, invest in, and protect the invaluable contributions of women leading the country’s polio eradication efforts.
