Islamabad, 23 October 2026 — Under the theme “Shukriya Polio Frontline Workers,” the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) celebrated the dedication of more than 400,000 frontline workers at a World Polio Day event at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Islamabad. Their tireless efforts to reach children are bringing a polio-free Pakistan within reach.

More than 100 frontline workers from across Pakistan joined the celebration, sharing experiences of protecting children and reaching communities. More than 60% of the country’s polio frontline workforce are women.

With the Federal Government’s commitment, partners’ support and frontline workers’ perseverance, Pakistan has reduced polio cases by 99.8 per cent—from an estimated 20,000 in the early 1990s to 31 in 2025 and seven so far in 2026.

Chief Guest Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, joined Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication; Mr Anwaar-ul-Haq, National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) Coordinator; PEI core team members; partners and donors.

Dr. Bharath reaffirmed the Government’s responsibility to ensure frontline workers’ dignity, safety and security.

“Polio frontline workers who visit households across the country to protect children from this preventable disease are among the most dedicated champions of Pakistan’s eradication efforts. Ensuring their dignity, safety and security is a fundamental responsibility of the Government of Pakistan and a shared commitment of all stakeholders. We must ensure that these workers receive the respect, recognition and protection they deserve, while strengthening public trust and community support for their vital mission. Protecting those who protect our children is essential to sustaining eradication efforts and achieving a polio-free Pakistan,” he said.

Ms. Farooq paid tribute to frontline workers’ courage and called for renewed resolve to reach every missed child.

“Pakistan’s more than 400,000 polio frontline workers are at the heart of our efforts to protect every child against polio. On World Polio Day, we recognise their courage and dedication, alongside the invaluable support of our development partners and donors. While significant progress has been made, our work remains unfinished until every child is protected. Together, we must reach every missed child and sustain our efforts to achieve a polio-free Pakistan,” she said.

Frontline workers took centre stage in a moderated discussion about their experiences and challenges. A video tribute honoured their service, and selected workers received certificates and gifts recognising their contributions to children’s health.

The celebration carried a shared message: honouring frontline workers means standing beside them, with respect, protection and community trust, as they work to ensure no child is left behind.

Pakistan’s third Sub-National Polio Campaign of 2026, scheduled for 2–8 November across 97 districts, aims to vaccinate more than 23.9 million children under five. Supporting frontline workers to reach every missed child will help turn their dedication into a lasting legacy: a polio-free future for every child and every family.

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Note for the Editor:

Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by poliovirus mainly affecting children under the age of five years. It invades the nervous system and can cause paralysis or even death. While there is no cure for polio, vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from this disease. Each time a child under the age of five is vaccinated, their protection against the virus is increased. Repeated immunisations have protected millions of children from polio, allowing almost all countries in the world to become polio-free, besides the two endemic countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

For further information, please contact: Mr. Syed Farhan Shah, Public Relations Officer, NEOC, +923165011808, syed.farhanshah1990@gmail.com