Remembering Nasreen Bibi on World Polio Day

She was assassinated by terrorists during her polio campaign

QUETTA: The services of Nasreen Bibi, who lost her life working for the cause of eradicating polio, are unforgettable. Working in sensitive areas of the province, including Kila Abdulah and Chaman, Nasreen dedicated her life to save children from the viral disease. Despite the dangers looming over, she remained steadfast in her duty and is certainly hailed as a hero.

Assassinated by terrorists in April 2019 when she was carrying out a successful polio campaign, Nasreen’s sacrifices are bearing fruit. The campaign has not only gained momentum but the parents, more than ever, are willing to give polio drops to their children.

Today on World Polio Day, her sacrifices are being remembered with special tributes pouring in. Balochistan polio workers are performing their jobs smoothly. These unsung heroes are providing much needed support, without any monetary benefits, ensuring each child in the province gets the required anti-polio drops.

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Nasreen worked as a polio worker in a town where people think polio drive is a conspiracy against the Muslims. Being from a poor family with a sick husband and a son with mental disabilities, she was the only hope for the family.

“She worked because she thought not only it will be a source of income, but also a contribution to the society where the crippling poliovirus is still attacking innocent children,” says Nasreen’s husband Maqsood Ahmed.  “However, she was silenced forever which might negatively affect the cause.  It is unfortunate that no one recognised her sacrifices. She is a forgotten hero whose works will only be rememberd in history.”

Nasreen Bibi was a polio worker in a highly conservative town of Chaman and was shot dead by unknown armed men in broad daylight. She started working to support her family in an environment that is still very male-dominated. Her five children needed food and education and clearly she stood up, for her family and her province and, as they say, charity begins at home.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24^th, 2019.