Pakistan Polio-Deferred Program paid tribute to female polio workers on Friday and recognized their dedication and contributions in high-risk areas during a ceremony in Islamabad Friday prior to International Women’s Day (March 8).

Female health workers are at the forefront of the country’s polio extermination efforts, which amounts to more than 58.4% of the polio labor. They play a leading role in the crucial door-to-door-inoculation drive that often works in some of the most challenging environments.

During the ceremony, Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s focal person on polio, confirmed the government’s obligation to support female workers.

“Today, when we are reminded of International Women’s Day, I will confirm our collective obligation to secure a safe, worthy and enable the environment for any female front -line employee,” she said.

Farooq also highlighted the Pakistan Polio program’s implementation of an anti-harassment policy, ensuring a safe and professional environment for female workers.

The event gathered national and provincial coordinators for the polio program together with senior officials and included video messages from female workers in the front line who shared their experiences.

Many talked about the challenges they face, such as convincing hesitant families to vaccinate their children, while expressing pride in their role in working towards a poliofry future.

Anwarul Haq, the chief official of the National Emergency Operations Center (Neoc), praised the inauguration of female workers and called them the “backbone” of Pakistan’s polio -dehumidifier effort.

“This year’s theme resonates deeply with us in the National Emergency Operations Center as we honor female polio workers who are considered the backbone of Pakistan’s polio -depletion efforts,” he said.

“These women work tirelessly, often in difficult and high -risk areas, to ensure that every child gets the life -saving polio vaccine,” he added.

HAQ further emphasized the importance of strengthening women in public health roles. “Their courage and unwavering commitment reflects the incredible strength of Pakistani women,” he said.

“Strengthening them is not just about recognizing their contributions: It’s about strengthening our community and ensuring a healthier, poliofri Pakistan,” he added.

HAQ also emphasized the importance of gender sensitivity in public health and noted that supporting women in front -line health roles helps to build a more inclusive, elastic and prosperous society.

Pakistan recently completed its first nationwide anti-polio campaign in 2025, with authorities reporting six polio cases so far this year. Further vaccination rounds are scheduled for April and May as the country continues its efforts to eradicate the disease.