How Zareen Khanum and her son Mujeeb help protect children in Poonch

Poonch, Azad Jammu and Kashmir:

Zareen Khanum starts her day early. As a Lady Health Worker, she visits homes across Poonch to vaccinate children against polio.

Her work is not easy. She often walks through rough roads, rain and snow to reach families. For years, her son Mujeeb has joined her on these visits. He started helping his mother when he was a child. Today, he is a 20-year-old university student who still finds time to support her. Working Together Zareen covers more than 120 houses during a campaign day. She says rough roads and poor infrastructure can make it hard to reach every home.

Her son helps her reach more families.

“I do not support my mother for money or ambition. I feel proud to be part of this national cause for my country and my country’s children,” said Mujeeb.

Over the years, people in the area have come to know Zareen and Mujeeb. Their regular visits have helped them build trust with families.

Mujeeb also speaks with parents who have concerns about the polio vaccine. He shares information with them and tries to clear up false claims about vaccination.

Building Trust with Families

Zareen has worked in polio vaccination campaigns since the programme began in 1994. Over the years, she has seen many challenges.

One of the biggest is when parents refuse to vaccinate their children.

She believes that families need clear and simple information about the vaccine and the risks of polio. Her work as a Lady Health Worker also gives her a chance to talk to parents about other vaccines that protect children from disease.

For Zareen and Mujeeb, every visit is a chance to speak with a family and protect another child. A Shared Mission Their work takes them through difficult areas and long days. But they continue to visit homes and vaccinate children.

Zareen and Mujeeb are part of the many frontline workers who help bring vaccines to children across Pakistan.

For this mother and son, protecting children is more than a job. It is a cause they have chosen to support together.