In the fight against polio in Pakistan, women are not just supporting the cause—they are leading the charge. Despite facing immense challenges, these brave women are playing a pivotal role in ensuring that every child is protected from this debilitating disease. From urban centers to remote mountainous areas, these female health workers are stepping up to safeguard the future of millions of children.
One of the most inspiring stories comes from Ayesha Raza, a polio survivor. Ayesha was just a child when polio struck, leaving her with a paralyzed leg. But rather than letting her disability define her, she turned her struggle into a mission to help others. Today, Ayesha is a dedicated health worker, travelling across Pakistan to vaccinate children and ensure that polio does not steal their future, as it did hers. “It’s not easy for me to walk during campaigns, but I cannot miss the chance to bring hope and resilience to the children of Pakistan,” she says. Every year, Ayesha is one of the 400,000 vaccinators who go door-to-door, reaching out to families across Pakistan, spreading hope, and protecting over 45 million children.
Ayesha’s dedication is just one example of women stepping up in the fight against polio. In the rugged terrain of Lakki Marwat, two brave Pashtun women, Bakht Roza and Basmina, are riding motorbikes through difficult, often dangerous areas to vaccinate nomadic children. In a region with scarce health services, these women are the sole source of essential immunization for children and expectant mothers. Despite facing cultural barriers, resistance from some communities, and the constant physical challenges of navigating rough roads, Bakht Roza and Basmina have vaccinated nearly 2,800 children and convinced over 200 families to accept the polio vaccine. “We think of all the children in the community who need our help as our children, and that motivates us to keep going,” says Bakht Roza.
These women are not just vaccinators—they are true heroes in Pakistan’s battle against polio, working relentlessly in some of the most challenging conditions. Their efforts are part of a nationwide mission led by the government, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), to eliminate polio from Pakistan. Their resilience and commitment are helping to ensure that no child is left behind in this fight.
Another powerful example of female leadership in this fight is Dr. Sarwat Wajahat Sheikh, a WHO Disease Surveillance Officer in Karachi. Dr. Sarwat’s work in tracking and identifying polio cases has been crucial in the battle against this disease. Her efforts have recently earned her recognition from the Government of Sindh. In 2024, she played a key role in identifying a polio case in Ibrahim Hyderi, a community that had been polio-free for ten years. Despite initial resistance from the community, Dr. Sarwat spent weeks building trust with the family, ultimately ensuring that they allowed the necessary tests to be carried out, which confirmed the case. This led to an urgent vaccination response to protect the children in that community. Her unwavering dedication to disease surveillance is a reminder of the importance of monitoring and responding quickly to prevent further spread.
These women’s stories reflect the power of female health workers in transforming the fight against polio in Pakistan. In a country where cultural norms and logistical challenges often make healthcare difficult to access, these women are breaking down barriers, reaching children in even the most remote and underserved areas. Their work is crucial in reducing the number of polio cases by 99.7%, bringing Pakistan closer to a polio-free future.
But their story doesn’t end with just their efforts. These women are part of a broader movement of women in healthcare who, despite facing discrimination and resistance, continue to push forward with determination, often at great personal cost. For them, the fight is more than a job—it is a mission to protect children from a preventable disease that can leave lifelong consequences.
The contributions of these women deserve to be celebrated, not just for their courage but also for the hope they bring to the future of their nation. As Ayesha Raza so passionately puts it, “I eagerly await the day when polio is completely eradicated, bringing a brighter future for our nation and the world.” And as we reflect on their efforts, we must acknowledge the critical role that women play in building a healthier, polio-free future for Pakistan—and for the world.
These women are the unsung heroes who are leading the way in the final push to eradicate polio. Through their courage, perseverance, and selflessness, they remind us all of the power of hope and the impact one person can have in shaping the future.
