Pakistan honours female polio workers ahead of International Women's Day

Express Tribune

07-03-2025

The Pakistan Polio Eradication Program paid tribute to female polio workers on Friday, recognising their dedication and contributions in high-risk areas during a ceremony in Islamabad on Friday ahead of International Women's Day (March 8).
Female health workers are at the forefront of the country's polio eradication efforts, constituting more than 58.4% of the polio workforce. They play a leading role in the crucial door-to-door inoculation drives, often working in some of the most challenging environments.
During the ceremony, Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister's Focal Person on Polio, reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting female 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," she said.
Farooq also highlighted the Pakistan Polio Programme's implementation of an anti-harassment policy, ensuring a secure and professional environment for female workers.
The event gathered national and provincial coordinators of the polio program, alongside senior officials, and included video messages from frontline female workers who shared their experiences.
Many spoke about the challenges they face, such as convincing hesitant families to vaccinate their children, while expressing pride in their role in working towards a polio-free future.
Anwarul Haq, the top official at the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), praised the dedication of female workers, calling them the 'backbone' of Pakistan's polio eradication efforts.
'This year's theme resonates deeply with us at the National Emergency Operations Center as we honor female polio workers who are considered as the backbone of Pakistan's polio eradication efforts,' he said.
"These women work tirelessly, often in difficult and high-risk areas, to ensure every child receives the life-saving polio vaccine," he added.
Haq further emphasised the importance of empowering women in public health roles. "Their courage and unwavering commitment reflect the incredible strength of Pakistani women," he said.
"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 stressed the significance of gender sensitivity in public health, noting that supporting women in frontline health roles contributes to building a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous society.
Pakistan recently concluded its first nationwide anti-polio campaign of 2025, with authorities reporting six polio cases so far this year. Additional vaccination rounds are planned for April and May, as the country continues its efforts to eradicate the disease.