In the remote landscapes of Balochistan, there exists a family whose story is woven with threads of resilience, dedication, and a profound commitment to a cause greater than themselves—the eradication of polio. Far from the bustling urban centres, where the struggle against this debilitating disease may seem distant, this family stands at the forefront of a battle that defines not only their daily lives but also the fate of countless children in their community.

The protagonists of our story are not seasoned professionals or high-ranking officials; they are a couple, parents to six children, who have chosen to become foot soldiers in the war against polio.

Let's begin with the protagonists themselves—a husband and wife, both frontline workers in the polio program. In the chilly cold weather of Quetta, both couple with their daughter getting ready to administers polio drops in Mian Gundi Quetta. Riding on a bike in tough terrain, it become very difficult sometimes to reach every child. There are pathways where even bikes can’t go. They have to walk miles and miles to cover the unreached children.

Nasreen can speak both Pushto and Brahvi, as the mothers trust her more easily when she speaks to them in their native tongue. She assures them that fears about the vaccine causing illnesses, making their children naughty or disobedient, are all rumours and conspiracy theories.

“I speak to them as a mother and I ignore any abuse or curses,” Nasreen says. “In fact, I usually scold them to stop giving their children their mobile phones. The polio and other vaccines are not bad for the children but the nonsense they watch on the phones certainly is”.

Bundled up against the biting cold, the dedicated polio team braves the cold weather. Their breath visible in the crisp air, as they warm their hands and extend warmth through administering life-saving polio drops to the resilient children.

“This is a great job and very honourable job just like being a doctor. It is a question of our children’s health. People ask different questions on polio vaccine related to misconception and we must satisfy them,” said Ghulam Farooq.

Nasreen has only received an education until the fourth grade. During the vaccination campaigns, Ghulam Farooq, Nasreen and their daughter Aasia make their way to these homes on a motorbike, and while Nasreen deals with the parents and administers the vaccine to the children, Aasia and Ghulam Farooq note down the children’s details.

Their modest salary becomes the lifeline for their family. With the skyrocketing inflation, Ghulam Farooq manages to handle day to day food expenses and utility bills, while large portion of Nasreen’s monthly income goes on buying school supplies, clothes, shoes, and setting aside money for her girls’ dowries.

They maintain a delicate balance between their duties as frontline workers and their roles as parents. The six children, resilient and aware of their parents' mission, become an integral part of the narrative. Their understanding of the importance of the polio program reflects the couple's commitment to instil a sense of responsibility and community service in the next generation.

The collective efforts of the family produce almost 99 per cent polio coverage results. It’s admirable that in a union council where there is no health facility, the couple team gain the trust of the community by their hard work and commitment. The community is thankful to Nasreen and her family for retaining the smiles of their children by protecting them from life-long disability cause by polio.

“They are the real soldiers and heroes of the polio program. Their unwavering commitment and passion serve as an inspiration to all. Together we will continue to strive for a polio-free Balochistan”, said Zahid Shah, Coordinator Emergency Operations Centre, Balochistan.

Nasreen and Ghulam Farooq’s story is not just about battling a crippling disease; it's about the resilience of the human spirit, the strength of familial bonds, and the unwavering commitment to a brighter, healthier future for the next generation.

Mohammad Zafar Baloch is freelance journalist based in Quetta

All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the writer