Women Frontline Workers in Pakistan: Reaching Every Child Beyond the Last Mile

Meet three frontline workers from Peshawar who are helping protect children from polio and other preventable diseases. Their stories highlight dedication, resilience, and the importance of reaching every child.

Every child has a story. So do the women who protect them.

Long before most families begin their day, frontline workers across Pakistan are already preparing for theirs.

They wake up before sunrise. They prepare breakfast, get their children ready for school, complete household chores, and then head into the field.

Their mission is simple but powerful, to make sure every child is reached.

For Salma, Uzma, and Rehana Nasir, three frontline workers from Peshawar, this work is about much more than vaccines. It is about protecting children, supporting families, and building trust within their communities.

A journey that started with responsibility

Each woman entered this field for a different reason. For Salma, the journey began during a difficult period in her life. As a single mother, she was struggling financially and needed a way to support her young daughter.

A friend introduced her to the Polio Programme, and she joined in 2015. What began as a job soon became a passion.

“Going door-to-door, vaccinating children, and helping save lives gives me immense satisfaction,” she says.

Uzma's journey also started because of financial circumstances after marriage. But after joining the programme, her perspective changed.

“I began to feel that Allah had chosen me for a meaningful purpose,” she says.

For Rehana, the decision came when her husband became seriously ill and could no longer work. She stepped forward to support her family.

“My husband trusted me and encouraged me,” she says. “That is how I entered this field.”

For all three women, becoming frontline workers provided more than an income. It offered financial independence, professional growth, and an opportunity to serve their communities while supporting their families.

 Today, all three women serve not only as vaccinators but also as trusted community leaders and advocates for child health. 

Rehana Nasir, a frontline polio worker in Peshawar, supports a mother during child vaccination, helping protect children from polio and other preventable diseases.

The Work People Don’t Always See

Many people see vaccinators administering two drops and moving on. What they do not see are the long hours, difficult journeys, and countless conversations behind every visit.

Salma begins her day at 5 a.m., balancing family responsibilities before reporting for campaign work.Uzma often works in temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius.

“Many people only see us administering two drops,” she says. “They do not see the effort and hard work behind it.”

For Rehana, some of the greatest challenges involve reaching families in high-risk areas and communities affected by migration and population movement.

Despite these obstacles, their goal remains unchanged. No child should be missed.

When a Door Doesn’t Open the First Time

One of the biggest challenges these women face is misinformation. Rumours spread quickly. Some parents become afraid. Others refuse vaccination because of things they have heard online or from neighbours.

Instead of giving up, frontline workers listen. They answer questions. They explain.And they return again if necessary.

“We try to make parents understand that we are there to protect their children,” says Rehana.

Often, community leaders, teachers, doctors, and religious scholars help reinforce these messages. Over time, trust grows. And trust saves lives.

The Children They Never Forget

Every frontline worker carries memories that remind them why their work matters.For Salma, one moment stands out above all others.

While her son was admitted to hospital, she met families whose children had suffered severe complications because they had not received routine immunization. Some children had lost their lives.

“That experience deeply affected me,” she says. “It made me realize that our work is truly about saving lives.”

For Rehana, the memory of a mother who lost her young child remains unforgettable.Listening to her grief reinforced the importance of reaching every family before it is too late.

But there are positive moments too.Rehana remembers being stopped by a woman who recognized her from a previous visit and thanked her for helping protect her child.

 Those simple words of gratitude remind frontline workers why they continue.

Salma joins fellow frontline workers during a campaign briefing, preparing to visit families and help protect children

Stronger women, stronger communities

This work has changed all three women. Salma says it transformed her life.

“My knowledge increased enormously. I learned how to communicate with all kinds of people.”

Uzma says the work gave her confidence.

“Now I can go anywhere, speak to anyone, and handle difficult situations.”

Rehana agrees.

“I developed resilience, confidence, and leadership skills.”

The women who once felt nervous entering the field now guide families, support communities, and serve as trusted voices for child health.

A community that is changing

There was a time when many families would refuse to speak with vaccination teams. Some shut their doors. Some hid their children. Some simply did not trust the programme. Today, things are different.

“Many families contact me directly when their children are due for vaccination,” says Salma.

Rehana has witnessed a similar change.

“Many of those same families now welcome us warmly and ask when we will visit again.”

These changes did not happen overnight. They were built through years of patience, respect, and community engagement.

A message from one mother to another

The message from these frontline workers is simple. Vaccines protect children. Rumours do not.

As mothers themselves, they understand how precious every child is.

“Please vaccinate your children,” says Salma.

“By vaccinating your children, you are giving them a healthier and safer future,” adds Uzma.

And Rehana offers a heartfelt reminder:

The road to a polio-free Pakistan is not always easy, but women like Salma, Uzma, and Rehana demonstrate what is possible when communities invest in women.

Through their dedication, leadership, and resilience, they are helping improve child health, strengthen vaccine confidence, and inspire the next generation of women leaders.

Every day they go beyond the last mile—not only to protect children, but also to show how women empowerment can transform communities across Pakistan.