RAWALPINDI: Frontline workers were celebrated for their efforts to eradicate polio at a World Polio Day event at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Friday.
Under the theme ‘Shukriya Polio Frontline Workers’, the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) paid tribute to the dedication of more than 400,000 workers across Pakistan.
More than 100 frontline workers from across the country attended the celebration, sharing their experiences of protecting children and reaching communities. More than 60pc of the country’s polio frontline workforce comprises women.
With the federal government’s commitment, partners’ support and frontline workers’ perseverance, Pakistan has reduced polio cases by 99.8pc, from an estimated 20,000 in the early 1990s to 31 in 2025 and seven so far in 2026.
Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath joined Ayesha Raza Farooq, the prime minister’s focal person for polio eradication; Anwaarul Haq, National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) coordinator; PEI core team members, partners and donors.
Dr Bharath reaffirmed the government’s responsibility to ensure the dignity, safety and security of frontline workers.
“Polio frontline workers who visit households across the country to protect children from this preventable disease are among the most dedicated champions of Pakistan’s eradication efforts.
“Ensuring their dignity, safety and security is a fundamental responsibility of the Government of Pakistan and a shared commitment of all stakeholders. We must ensure that these workers receive the respect, recognition and protection they deserve while strengthening public trust and community support for their vital mission,” he said.
Ms Farooq paid tribute to frontline workers’ courage and called for renewed resolve to reach every missed child.
“Pakistan’s more than 400,000 polio frontline workers are at the heart of our efforts to protect every child against polio,” she said, adding that “on World Polio Day, we recognise their courage and dedication, alongside the invaluable support of our development partners and donors”.
“While significant progress has been made, our work remains unfinished until every child is protected. Together, we must reach every missed child and sustain our efforts to achieve a polio-free Pakistan,” she added.
Frontline workers took centre stage in a moderated discussion on their experiences and challenges. A video tribute honoured their service, while selected workers received certificates and gifts in recognition of their contributions to children’s health.
Pakistan’s third sub-national polio campaign of 2026, scheduled for November 2-8 across 97 districts, aims to vaccinate more than 23.9 million children under five.
Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2026
