On Friday, the Pakistani polio eradication program paid tribute to the Polio workers, recognizing their dedication and their contributions in high -risk areas on Friday during a ceremony in Islamabad before International Women’s Day (March 8).
Professional health women are at the forefront of the country’s polio eradication efforts, constituting more than 58.4% of polio labor. They play a leading role in crucial door readers at the door, often working in some of the most difficult environments.
During the ceremony, Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Polio Prime Minister’s focal person reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support workers.
“Today, while we commemorate the International Women’s Day, I want to reaffirm our collective commitment to ensure a safe environment, worthy and empowering for each first-line worker,” she said.
Farooq also highlighted the implementation by the Pakistan Polio program of anti-harassment policy, guaranteeing a secure and professional environment for workers.
The event brought together the national and provincial coordinators of the Polio program, alongside senior officials, and included video messages from front -line workers who shared their experiences.
Many have spoken of the challenges they face, such as convincing families hesitant to vaccinate their children, while expressing their role in their role in work towards a future without polio.
Anwarul Haq, the senior National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) official, praised the dedication of workers, calling them “the backbone” of the efforts to eradicate Pakistan polio.
“The theme of this year resonates deeply with us at the National Emergency Operations Center while we honor the women of Polio who are considered to be the backbone of the Eradication efforts of the Polio of Pakistan,” he said.
“These women work tirelessly, often in difficult and high-risk areas, to ensure that each child receives the vaccine against vital polio,” he added.
HAQ also stressed the importance of empowering women in public health roles. “Their courage and unwavering commitment reflect the incredible force of Pakistani women,” he said.
“Emphasizing them is not only to recognize their contributions: it is a question of strengthening our communities and guaranteeing a healthier and without polio Pakistan,” he added.
The HAQ has also stressed the importance of sensitivity to sex in public health, noting that support for women in front -line health roles contributes to the construction of a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous society.
Pakistan recently concluded its first anti-political campaign at the national level of 2025, the authorities having reported six cases of polio so far this year. Additional vaccination towers are scheduled for April and May, because the country continues its efforts to eradicate the disease.
