Lady health workers boycott anti-polio campaigns
KARACHI: The news of lady health workers boycotting anti-polio campaigns may be concerning and may also seem like the workers were being unfair, especially in understanding Pakistan’s ongoing struggle for eradicating polio. However, it is important to understand why lady health workers have decided to boycott the campaign in all 10 districts of Gilgit-Baltistan.
These workers have been conducting anti-polio campaigns since 1996 — which is a considerable amount of years they have given to the cause, but there is no rewards. These women have not received their health allowances. They do not come from affluent families but nonetheless have dedicated their lives to the cause, also often losing their lives in the line of duty. Least they deserve in return for their selfless job is a significant remuneration.
But the authorities concerned have failed in doing just that and while as unfair as the boycott may seem, it was perhaps much needed. It is time their demands were met so that the fight against polio could resume as soon as possible.
Maliha Anwer
Published in The Express Tribune, December 12th, 2018.
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