How two frontline health workers are helping protect children across Pakistan
Quetta, Balochistan / Islamabad, Pakistan:
Sahiqa and Hafiza wake up before sunrise. Like many women across Pakistan, they begin their day by preparing meals, getting their children ready for school and finishing chores. But for them, their day doesn’t end here. They also work as frontline health workers. They leave home to begin another day protecting children from polio.
They work in different parts of the country but share the same goal. They want to make sure every child receives life-saving vaccines.
Building Trust, One Family at a Time
Sahiqa works in Quetta. She visits homes every day to vaccinate children. She also speaks with parents about the importance of immunization.
One family stands out in her memory.
"I remember one family that had repeatedly refused the polio vaccine," she said. "After many conversations, I explained that if I trust these drops enough for my own children, they could trust them too. Eventually, they agreed to vaccinate their children."
For Sahiqa, moments like these show that trust is built through patience, respect and listening.
Serving Communities Every Day
Hafiza, based in Islamabad, also spends her days visiting families. She answers questions and encourages parents to keep their children vaccinated.
She says the work has taught her valuable lessons.
"Remaining calm and not taking things personally has been one of the most important lessons I've learned," she explained. "It helps me focus on what matters most—protecting children."
Working closely with families every day has made both women trusted members of their communities.
Balancing Work and Family
Their work does not end when the vaccination day is over.
After returning home, they prepare dinner, care for their families and help their children with homework before getting ready to do it all again the next morning.
Despite the long hours, both say they are proud to contribute to protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Women now make up more than half of Pakistan's frontline polio workforce. Their ability to enter homes, speak with mothers and build trust has helped greatly strengthened vaccination efforts.
Every Child, Every Community
Across Pakistan, thousands of women like Sahiqa and Hafiza work every day to help ensure children receive the vaccines they need.
Their days begin before sunrise and often end after sunset, but their commitment never changes. Their priority is protecting every child and helping bring Pakistan closer to a polio-free future.
