How Dr. Uzma Khan helps families in Rawalpindi protect their children

Rawalpindi, Punjab:

During polio campaigns, Dr. Uzma Khan leaves her office and joins vaccination teams in the field.

As a District Health Officer in Rawalpindi, she visits homes and speaks with parents about the importance of polio vaccination. Her calm and kind approach has earned her the name “Sister Teresa of Rawalpindi.”

Taking the Message to Families

Dr. Uzma does not like to stay in her office during polio campaigns.

“I do not feel comfortable sitting in my office during polio campaigns especially when some places in your town are abuzz with misconceptions,” she says.

She believes that speaking directly with families can help clear up doubts about the vaccine. Her ability to speak Pashto also helps her talk with families who have come to Rawalpindi from other parts of the country.

One Visit, Nine Children

During one campaign, Dr. Uzma visited a house where the parents did not want to open the door to the vaccination team.

“The woman behind the door said all children are asleep. I knocked again and introduced myself to the lady. I explained to the mother that not only her children, but all in the neighbourhood will continue to suffer from polio if remain unvaccinated in every campaign.”

The conversation changed the family's mind. Dr. Uzma went on to vaccinate nine children in the building, which was home to several families.

Building Trust

For Dr. Uzma, every missed child is a concern.

“Persistent polio virus circulation in Rawalpindi represents existence of under-immunized children who miss vaccination during routine and door-to-door polio campaigns. The missed children pose a risk for themselves as well as other children around them by shedding virus in sewerage systems,” she explains.

Rawalpindi has many families who move between cities and provinces. This makes it important to reach children wherever they live and make sure they do not miss their vaccines. A Simple Goal Dr. Uzma continues to join vaccination teams during campaigns. She speaks with families, answers their questions and encourages them to vaccinate their children.

For her, the work is simple: reach families, build trust and make sure no child is left without protection from polio.

Her efforts show how one person can help change minds, one family at a time.